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Stanley Cup Final: FLA vs VGK, GM2 |
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While Game 1 was disappointing for Panthers fans, I truly feel there’s no need to panic.
If Saturday night showed us anything, it was that the underdog Florida Panthers had built up a bit of rust during their 10 days off — something we felt would be a real possibility heading into Game 1. Despite the rust, they managed to hang with Vegas most of the game.
Some things that stood out to me:
1. Faceoffs
The Panthers struggled mightily at the dot for stretches in this game. Though the numbers don’t look bad with FLA at 47.3% versus VGK’s 52.7%, the Cats lost a lot of faceoffs in key situations. However, when they won them, things went well (think Duke’s goal).
2. Penalties
The Cats continue their penalty-heavy postseason run. Now, some of the calls in Game 1 were a little soft/questionable in my view (on both sides), but nonetheless…you can’t give the Knights seven cracks on the man advantage. Vegas went 2/7 on the PP.
Wild to think that Florida racked up 46 PIM. That’s over two periods of being short-handed.
3. Cooler Heads
To VGK’s credit, they did a good job in the discipline department by not getting dragged into Florida’s efforts to get them in the box.
That being said, I liked seeing the emotion and attitude Cats players had in those situations. Normally it’s the Panthers players being pushed around. I’d like to see them keep this attitude but bring it out in the right situations.
4. King of the Hill
No doubt about it that Adin Hill made some incredible saves - most notably on Cousin’s tap in and then again on Reinhart’s breakaway. But this guy is beatable. Florida put two by him and if I’m in a Panthers sweater, based on Hill’s reaction to the scrum in the first period, I’m making sure I have a guy(s) in his face after every shot. Try and get him off his game and make him lose his head a bit because he showed he could be susceptible to that.
5. Vegas Defensemen
The Knights have always had talented defensemen that can change the outcome of a game offensively. Florida will need to find a way to try and contain these guys, and if they can’t, at least clear the front of the net from the point shots so that Bob isn’t screened as often as he was Saturday night.
6. Posts
Three pingers off the post is frustrating…
Tonight
Game 1 is in the rear view. Game 2 is a new life.
I’m very much in the Maurice postgame interview camp where he talked about both teams having good/bad play and that it really felt more like a 2-2 game going into the third.
Florida fans have to take a step back and breathe.
The Cats lost Game 1 to Boston. If they play their game tonight with that heavy forecheck and put the Knights on their heels, we’ll be tied at 1-1.
Barky is due and I’m expecting a big game from Tkachuk.
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Still plenty of series left! GO PANTHERS!!!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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