Here with a quick one for you guys...
I didn't know if I should start this blog off with Al Pacino's line from Any Given Sunday,
"I don't know what to say really..." or go straight to the Principal Skinner meme:
Either way, it's obvious these guys aren't getting the job done. It seems after every loss we hear a lot of, "We have to play harder," talk...yet, we rarely see it.
The loss to the Flyers highlighted the troubles in the blue paint - particularly Bob. I saw a lot of fans dogging Monty, too, but I have to disagree. I thought Monty played well given the poor effort in front of him. in fact, he made a number of big saves, some of the stuff he let in were out of his control for the most part.
The problem this night started with Bob. His inability to control rebounds led to second chances that Philly capitalized on. He seemed to not have any feel in net. The second goal was a good example of that. Granted, that was a great shot, but the angle was terrible. I thought Brown did everything you're supposed to do - keep the shooter to the outside. Bob just didn't have his angles right. With the scoring woes and bad defense, they can't afford to continue to fall behind in games and have to play catch up.
Again, these kind of nights will happen throughout the course of the season, but this is a recurring theme with the $10 Million Dollar Man. I like Bob and want him to do well for this team, but I just don't think he has the ability to elevate his play with a poor defense in front of him. I don't think Monty isn't the answer either. He's a true backup at this stage in his career. That Bob contract keeps looking worse and worse, guys...
It's not all on the goaltenders, though. We know the defense is atrocious and the lack of goal support is ridiculous. Yet...nothing seems to be done about it.
Why?
I don't understand how the only action taken is converting defensemen to wingers. I know that the "right" trades might not be out there, or no one is biting, but can the Cats really continue playing this way without something being done?
I agree with everything in the above video, but will we see actual improvement? Or is this just the standard pandering to the media that players/teams do?
I've been pretty critical of the team lately and it's because I feel there's no sense of urgency from them. Sure. They're sitting in fourth, but that can easily change if they continue don't get things moving in the right direction. The, "We know what we need to do," attitude with no actual results is wearing thin.
Where's the intensity? Guys just look like they're going through the motions on out there.
Things don't get any easier today as they take on the Edmonton Oilers, a team that's in second place of the Pacific Division. They're without Connor McDavid who went down with injury and Zack Kassian who was recently suspended for seven games after kicking TBL defenseman Erik Cernak with his skate blade.
Florida's shaky defense will be greatly tested today. Leon Draisaitl leads the league with 90 points. 90! This EDM team has a lot of talent and can skate. Q has been talking about pace since taking over for the Panthers and they're going to need boost that up this afternoon.
On a positive note, I’ve been really impressed with Vatrano lately. I thought he had a great game against PHI, often times beating Flyers defensemen for a couple really good opportunities. Keep it up, Frank!
_______________
Will the Cats continue their lackluster, uninspired play? Or will something spark in them? Wake up, boys, and unleash those inner animals...let's get on track here!
GO PANTHERS!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»