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Get Back on Track, Cats vs Stars |
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The Panthers find themselves on a three-game losing streak heading into Dallas for a back-to-back series to close out their road trip.
In the three games they recently lost, Florida scored five goals:
TBL - 3
CHI - 2
CHI - 0
It’s pretty remarkable (for a Panthers team) that this is the first multiple-losses-in-a-row stretch that these guys have suffered in a season. I think that says a lot about how much this team really has changed.
Adversity as a Positive
It’s easy for fans to freak out during a skid. Believe me, I’ve seen some pretty funny over-reactions from a Panthers group I’m in after last game’s loss.
I would agree that is seems Florida has tapped into the Cats of old during these past three games. But that also doesn’t mean that’s where they will stay.
When I look at this past Super Bowl, I think about how the Bucs went through various ups-and-downs throughout the season, whereas the Chiefs pretty much ripped through the league. When it came time for the “big dance,” the Bucs came out on top. Now, I understand there were key injuries for Kansas City, but they looked completely lost/defeated and had no answer when as another team (TB) took it to them. I think the reason for that was because they had not encountered that all season to learn and grow from it.
This has been a great season for the Panthers thus far. They’re playing a different, tougher brand of hockey than we’re used to seeing and it’s paying off. Taking their lumps now will help them down the line - they just need to be able to actually take those lumps and get better from them.
The challenge for this team, right now, is to rebound from this.
I get that losing Barky for a few games is a blow to the team, and then Hornqvist going down, but, you know what? There’s a slew of other players on that bench who are all capable of stepping up. This team has talent and a work ethic that should not allow them to fold just because of some injuries. Theoretically, if they do t recover from this three-game slump, then they don’t deserve to see the off-season.
Just look at the Cats’ recent foe, the Blackhawks. This was a team that everyone wrote off after it was announced that they would be rebuilding and giving the young guys a shot. Then they lost key pieces in Toews, Dach and Nylander (even with Strome going down for a stretch). Don’t forget the fact that they were also rolling out a goalie battle between three guys that were realistically AHL-level. Yet, somehow they have made it work and have found success and have a playoff spot in their crosshairs.
So they lose Barky for a few games, and Hornqvist’ status might be a question mark. So what? Figure out a way to make it work and find success - it’s time for guys to step up. If the Hawks can do it, surely the Panthers can.
“It's never the worst thing facing [adversity] to see how you get out of it, but you want to make sure that you stick together. We'll see what happens, if Barky plays this weekend or not, but for the guys that are playing it's a great opportunity. Everyone is getting more quality, better chances to make a contribution and enhance their position here." - Quenneville
Falling Stars
I guess if any team in the league has a right to complain about injuries, it’s the Dallas Stars. They have four big names on IR in Bishop, Seguin, Radulov, and Johns. Add to that the “day-to-day” guys like Sekera and Hintz (though he might be off it now), and that bench is depleted of a lot of talent and it shows - don’t forget about the COVID delays and issues from the winter storm in Texas.
These guys are banged up.
In case you forgot, Dallas went to the Stanley Cup Finals last year where they lost to the Lightning. They’re a far cry from that level this year with an 11-11-8 record and sitting second-from-last in the Central Division.
Dallas is averaging 2.30 goals a game and will be starting Panther-killer Khudobin. One of the things that stands out to me regarding the Stars is their production from the backend. They have big, skilled defensemen who can defend and also attack.
Here’s an example per NHL.com:
“Defenseman John Klingberg has registered two points (1-1=2) against Florida this season and comes into Saturday's tilt having notched points in each of his last two (1-1=2) and four of his last five games (2-2=4) against them. Klingberg has also earned points (1-2=3) in back-to-back home games against the Panthers and has four points (1-3=4) in five career home games against them.”
Anytime you play Dallas you have to be aware of Jamie Benn when he’s out there. A throwback center who is strong and plays a tough game that mixes physicality and skill, Benn has amassed 17 points in his last 12 games against the Cats.
Florida also needs to be cognizant of Joe Pavelski, but especially keep their eye on 21-year old standout Jason Robertson. He’s tallied 14 points in his last 13 games and ranks second in the league for points by rookies - third among all Stars players with 20 points so far this season.
With the struggles Dallas has had, the Cats can really use this game to bust out of their slump, grab two points in the process and get back on track.
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Time to get it going again. Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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