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Florida ‘Third Period’ Panthers vs Predators |
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Here with a quick hit for you guys because I have nothing but back-to-back meetings at the old 9-to-5 today. Ugh...
The Panthers look to bounce back after their first consecutive losses at the hands of the Hurricanes. They have a prime opportunity to get back on track against the 10-12-0 Nashville Predators - though nothing is a guarantee, of course.
Looking at the fact that the Panthers are 6-1-1 on the road and going against a Preds team that’s averaging 2.1 goals a game, I would say the odds are stacked in Florida’s favor. But let’s be honest, the Panthers aren’t exactly lighting the lamp at an impressive pace - in fact, this lack of goal scoring (and compete) through 60 minutes is my biggest key to tonight’s game...
We’re no strangers to seeing Panthers teams over the years give partial effort. I would say we’re more used to 20 minute efforts than a full-60 effort.
This has been the case with this group the past few games. They have become a third period team - meaning, they are typically out-played or go through the motions for the first 40 minutes, only to come alive in the last 20 (third period).
I said it before, but this approach cannot sustain. They need to find their effort/compete for the entirety of the game because the reality is, if they keep this up, not only will the good teams beat them, but so will the bad ones.
So I’m hoping the Panthers use this game as a stepping stone to getting back to a 60-minute effort each night (or at least close to it).
With the Preds’ struggling offense, I would like to see the Cats really take it to them in the dot and in terms of possession, shots, and, oh, yeah...goals!
Interesting Bits
Bob gets the start, which I think is a good call. It also sounds like Fosling will be back in. Duclair and Nutivaara will also be joining the Cats - not sure in terms of playing, or traveling with the team.
I like the idea of Stillman potentially getting some more time:
Let Marchment be this guy. He seems to have a knack for playing around the net and has skill doing it:
Enjoy the Practice Notebook:
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How about a convincing win tonight? Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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