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Panthers Uncaged S2 E1, Camp Roster Released |
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It’s January 2nd, the headache you had from all those cold ones you knocked back a couple days ago should be gone. That fades just in time for the harsh realization that the holiday “break” is in its dying days and regular life awaits.
Yep. Reality is right around the corner, but so is hockey...
So while you lay there in the same sweats you’ve had on since Christmas Eve, fearing your work alarm going off Monday morning, why not muster the will power to roll over and watch the first episode of Panthers Uncaged Season 2.
We live in a fast-paced world that’s only getting faster. The digital age is filled with an overload of content and people trying to sell you products with every click. Aimlessly scrolling the cyber wastelands of our devices has caused us to slowly lose the ability to sit down and read or watch something - God forbid someone send you a video to watch that’s over a minute long...
That being said, I found this first episode’s runtime of 6:21 too short and very lacking.
This is obviously an intro episode to cover Zito coming in, trades and the draft. That’s the right move to kick things off, but what I have an issue with is the light speed pace they chose to move in.
I was hoping to get some in-depth insight into the players they brought in and something the way of: why they targeted them, what roles they seem they playing, their skills, etc. I was also hoping to get a peek behind the curtain when it comes to trade negotiations and conversations with free agents that they pursued and ultimately signed.
So while it works really well as a high-level recap, it lacks the depth I think they could (should) have gone in to. I wanted more than the standard here’s who they brought in and, “I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice and showing what I can do,” jargon.
With camp starting on Sunday (1-3-21), I’m looking forward to the upcoming episodes and hopefully getting some really good camp/drills/exercise footage and interviews with players.
Speaking of that...
The Cats released their camp roster this morning:
Notice the absence of Aleksi Saarela and Henrik Borgstrom? I thought they would resign Saarela without a doubt. Seems strange...How do you guys feel about that, and what are the Borgy fans feeling?
From the forward group, I’m very interested in how Tippett and Denisenko perform because I think they are both the best shots for an opening night roster spot - thought the Duclair signing will bring some more competition. I really think this is Tippett’s year to take (and hold onto) the next step and become a full-time NHLer for Florida. Heponiemi is also another guy’s progression I’m interested in keeping an eye on.
The blueline would appear set with the following: Ekblad, Yandle, Stralman, Gudas, Weegar and Nutivaara. Let’s say they decide to roll with seven defenseman occasionally, or who is coming up for an injury or night off?
Has Keeper has progressed? Though he seems to be more of an offensive-minded guy that can dance around with the puck and I don’t think they need that right now. I’d personally like to see Stillman get more time. I think he’s earned an expanded role as a bigger guy with some snarl and a more simplistic game. If they’re going to be harder to play against and tougher in their zone, Riley is the man for the job in my opinion. Priskie and Massie will be fun to watch progress in the A this year.
It’s going to be an interesting camp for the blue paint this year. While they are set with the Bob and Driedger one-two punch, what’s the play for the Checkers? Monty will be there, but does Darling capitalize on his PTO and earn a spot, or does he perform well enough to get a look from a different team? He has some tricks up his sleeve and has climbed the ladder before to get back into the game. Can he do it again?
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Can’t wait for camp to start! Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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