This could be the last blog written for the 2022-23 season.
It’s a bummer of a thought, especially when you reflect on how frustrating of a regular season it was and then how great (magical) of a ride it’s been in the postseason.
With Tkachuk injured, Loustarinen still out, Barky/Bennet/Reinhart/Duke essentially neutralized, things are looking very bleak heading into Vegas tonight.
The Cats are on their ninth life, but you know what…
Game 4 looked like every other game this series where the Panthers have long stretches of flat play mixed with some spurts of good attack.
I think the difference in Game 4 - at least for me, who is looking for some positives heading into tonight — was that the Panthers never went away, despite being outplayed.
These are the things I think Florida can build on for Game 5 that they showed in Game 4:
1. As previously mentioned, they never went truly went away. Despite being down 3-0, they gained energy off Montour’s flukey goal - eventually getting things to 3-2 and coming so close to tying it up in the dying seconds of the third.
2. They finally did it and actually limited VGK’s time on the man advantage, allowing only one PP to Vegas (which Florida killed). Impressive.
3. Bob turned out another great game and gave his team a chance to get back in it with some huge saves.
4. Speaking of goalies…I still don’t think Hill is this unconquerable guy the announcers have built him up to be. Sure, it’s sour grapes on my part, but I think Hill benefits tremendously from the guys in front of him. Yes, he’s made some great saves throughout this series, but I also don’t feel the Panthers have really tested him consistently like they have others. It might just be me but I always feel there is a chance they can get some by him if they can get some pressure.
Ride Out
I don’t think anyone is expecting Florida to win tonight. The Knights are the superior team that has forced their skill on the Panthers, bringing us to this very elimination game - that happens to be in Vegas, making things all the more difficult.
It reminds me of the scene in Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
The armies of Mordor outnumber the Rohirrim. King Theoden and his men know this. They also know that if they fall, so does the free world. Despite knowing certain death is upon them, the Rohirrim still charge into battle.
As they descend down the hill, their horses kicking up dust and dirt, the orcs loose their arrows on them. With many Rohirrim falling to the rain of arrows, the orcs are certain this will stop the charge.
Only it doesn’t…
In fact, the Rohirrim pick up speed. They charge harder. They are all in. This scares the orcs, who turn and run as the two armies collide.
The Panthers and their season face this same “death” tonight. They are outnumbered by skilled players, a better defense and a series that shows them down 3-1.
Vegas will no doubt unleash an attack on the Panthers to try and crush them and end things early.
The Cats know this. They also know they still need to ride out. They have to charge despite the odds. When Vegas ramps things up, the Panthers must charge harder.
Below is King Theoden’s legendary speech just before the battle commences — but there are a couple minor tweaks to fit he Panthers narrative…
Arise, arise, Florida Panthers!
Bodies shall be shaken, sticks shall be splintered!
A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
It’s time to empty the tank and leave it all on the ice!
_________________________
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»