Matt Ross: Cats Look to Keep Wings Grounded

Well said, Matt.

I agree with you about the Bob criticism, that it's overblown. Right now, the Cats are winning and that's what counts. I don't care about style points; winning ugly is good enough for me. The year after we win the Stanley Cup, then we can emphasize style and flair. Bob is 3-0-1; Driedger is 3-0-1. 7/8 Panthers' games have been one-goal affairs. The results look pretty similar to me. In a tight-schedule year where every game is the proverbial 4-point divisional match up, we are lucky to have two goalies who are winning.

Matheson is gone so Bob and his contract have apparently become the lightning rod. Some how, Yandle seems to have become less of an issue--although I see a dumb penalty almost every game and multiple bad passes, turnovers, and defensive errors that lead to opponents power plays, shots, and goals.

But I am excited to see signs that Barkov is asserting himself and playing up to the talent level that we all knew he was capable. He may finally have removed his restraining bolt and is really starting to dominate long stretches of game play. And, everyone thought Huby was off his game while he was quietly racking up points, and now he has exploded with positive impact. Not to mention how Verhaeghe has pretty much made everyone forget Dadanov and Hoffman. I am impressed with Duclair's speed and o-zone cycling and know it's only a matter of time until he puts a string of goals into the net.

Let's put 4 more points in the bank from the 2 Detroit games and enjoy the ride.

Go Panthers!

Well said, Matt.

I agree with you about the Bob criticism, that it's overblown. Right now, the Cats are winning and that's what counts. I don't care about style points; winning ugly is good enough for me. The year after we win the Stanley Cup, then we can emphasize style and flair. Bob is 3-0-1; Driedger is 3-0-1. 7/8 Panthers' games have been one-goal affairs. The results look pretty similar to me. In a tight-schedule year where every game is the proverbial 4-point divisional match up, we are lucky to have two goalies who are winning.

Matheson is gone so Bob and his contract have apparently become the lightning rod. Some how, Yandle seems to have become less of an issue--although I see a dumb penalty almost every game and multiple bad passes, turnovers, and defensive errors that lead to opponents power plays, shots, and goals.

But I am excited to see signs that Barkov is asserting himself and playing up to the talent level that we all knew he was capable. He may finally have removed his restraining bolt and is really starting to dominate long stretches of game play. And, everyone thought Huby was off his game while he was quietly racking up points, and now he has exploded with positive impact. Not to mention how Verhaeghe has pretty much made everyone forget Dadanov and Hoffman. I am impressed with Duclair's speed and o-zone cycling and know it's only a matter of time until he puts a string of goals into the net.

Let's put 4 more points in the bank from the 2 Detroit games and enjoy the ride.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

You said it much better than me, Jimbo - nice work!

Totally agree about the goalies. Both guys are winning, let’s be happy about that.

What a terrific day. Panthers in the afternoon superbowl tonight. Lets go cats! Heres hoping we get lucky because its only detroit because historically we have been really terrible at afternoon games. Got my fatty snacks ready just got to head out quick and get my proline ticket for the bowl and ill be ready to rock

Whatever Bob does, you are stuck with him as no one else can afford him. He is very good, but not worth that amount of money in this era.

He gets the heat because of the contract. I feel bad cause i think the players take for granted that he is going to stop it so they mentally play worse defense. And when driedger stops as many if not more pucks at less than 1/10th the cost its going to come up repeatedly. His last outing wasnt bad. But those stank goals against Chicago and Columbus def dont help the situation

Bob woulda been crucified for the goal that got past Driedger Friday night.
Driedger has been solid for the Panthers. He plays with the ease of one who is playing with the house’s money. Goldstein noted last game that it has been a year since Driedger’s first start for the Panthers. Goldy recalled Driedger saying that he thought the call to the coach’s office that morning was to tell him he was getting sent back down to AHL.

Christ almighty yandle!!!! Frickin idiot

Wow first loss gonna come to detroit. That hurts. Tippet back to taxi squad after missing that gold from barkov

Bob woulda been crucified for the goal that got past Driedger Friday night.
Driedger has been solid for the Panthers. He plays with the ease of one who is playing with the house’s money. Goldstein noted last game that it has been a year since Driedger’s first start for the Panthers. Goldy recalled Driedger saying that he thought the call to the coach’s office that morning was to tell him he was getting sent back down to AHL.
- Ratsreign

Haha. So true!

I missed that comment from Goldy - too funny, man.

Wow first loss gonna come to detroit. That hurts. Tippet back to taxi squad after missing that gold from barkov
- Shynes57

I’m done writing about not letting struggling teams beat them, because every time I do, it happens! Haha

Still waiting for your guys' belief in duclair...........
I did see him throw a hissyfit today lost/threw his stick away and then took his sweet ass time getting to the bench... im not impressed

Still waiting for your guys' belief in duclair...........
I did see him throw a hissyfit today lost/threw his stick away and then took his sweet ass time getting to the bench... im not impressed
- Shynes57

Haha. He’s been getting assists and does a good job of rushing/creating opportunities. Was hoping he’d get one today.

#1 Star = Greiss

#1 Star = Greiss
- Matt Ross

That bastard

That bastard
- Ratsreign

Hahahaha

Why oh why did greiss have to wind up in this division???? Guy has been a pain for years. Wennberg gets a goal before duclair... ouch