The Florida Bobrovskys — err, Panthers — continue to defy the odds and expectations of their postseason run thus far.
After downing the Bruins in Round 1, the Cats went into hostile, hockey-mad Toronto, and won (stole) the first two games of Round 2…
Crazy!
While there is still a long, hard road ahead of them, I will say this: When the Panthers went down early in Game 2 and the Leafs were all over them, it didn’t feel like the old Panthers. You remember those guys, right? They would fold pretty quick. Not this current group. I truly believed they would tie it up and eventually win. Sure, I was nervous, but that feeling of dread wasn’t there like in the past. I think that’s because this group got it together at the right time and they don’t know how/when to quit.
While the Panthers saw goals from Lundell, Barkov, and Forsling, let’s be honest…Bob is the reason Florida got the Game 2 win. We have said it before that your goalie needs to be your best player in the playoffs and Bob is doing just that.
He has been a rock in the blue paint for this team. Per
Jameson Olive:
“
Winning each of his last five starts, Bobrovsky has established a new franchise record for longest playoff winning streak by a goaltender, surpassing John Vanbiesbrouck's previous record for four. During his winning streak, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner has posted a .921 save percentage.”
Bob has been completely in the zone as of late. What has stood out to me is his mental game. This feels like the most focused we have seen him in a Cats’ sweater. He hasn’t allowed himself to get rattled, no matter the score or intensity of pressure, he remains level-headed and focused. He’s in a zen-like state right now and with that comes confidence. I really like how he has been challenging shooters, but even more so, his ability to anticipate the shot/setup. The Leafs are loaded with talent and so Far Bob has been up to the task of shutting the door on these guys.
The X Factor
While you can argue Bob has been the ‘X’ factor as of late, I would say it’s Maurice’s scheme that he has the Cats running.
If you told Panthers fans during the regular season that these guys would make it into the playoffs by utilizing a game plan that involved a heavy forecheck and physicality, you would have understandably been laughed out of the room.
Yet, that’s exactly what this team is doing and it’s paying off big time.
Just look at these very un-Cat-like statistics from Jameson Olive (again):
”Through two games in Round 2, the Panthers have dished out 89 hits, with 17 of the 18 players that have suited up in the series registering at least one of them. Bolstered by a 10-hit performance in Game 2, Sam Bennett, who is currently seen as public enemy No. 1 in Toronto, has a team-high 14 hits.
With their forecheck, the Panthers have also forced 30 giveaways and swiped 18 pucks for takeaways.”
This time of year requires guys/teams to be on the giving and receiving end of physicality and the Panthers have (surprisingly) been willing to do this — with great results to boot.
This new style of play is a shock to the Florida fans’ system, who have become accustomed to a more “soft” approach from past teams. But it’s the best shock this organization has had in many years and we hope to see it continue!
No need to change anything up right now. Just keep riding the hot hand.
__________________________
Does anyone else get a little nervous when they’re playing at home for some reason?
GO PANTHERS!
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