Matt Ross: It’s Almost Time...

Looking forward to this match up

Heck, with big glassmen coming back for the playoffs (Stamkos at least),

fixed

One shift, get his name on the cup.

With all the years of being a joke organIzation, the most frustrating part was the fiasco that began to unfold after the 15/16 division win and the quick first round exit. The owners butted in and derailed the train, and FL was left spinning their wheels for a few seasons. This team now looks ready to take the steps that were expected several years ago. They are the real deal this year, and those who haven’t been paying attention to the Panthers are in for an eye opener when they actually watch them play. They can not only hang with the best teams, they can beat anybody.
Go Panthers!!
Can’t wait to walk in to the BB&T tomorrow evening. This is gonna be a good battle.

Looking forward to this match up
- Buff36

Heck yeah!

With all the years of being a joke organIzation, the most frustrating part was the fiasco that began to unfold after the 15/16 division win and the quick first round exit. The owners butted in and derailed the train, and FL was left spinning their wheels for a few seasons. This team now looks ready to take the steps that were expected several years ago. They are the real deal this year, and those who haven’t been paying attention to the Panthers are in for an eye opener when they actually watch them play. They can not only hang with the best teams, they can beat anybody.
Go Panthers!!
Can’t wait to walk in to the BB&T tomorrow evening. This is gonna be a good battle.
- Ratsreign

Exactly, Rats.

Also…make sure you chime in tomorrow during the game (if you can) to let us know how the atmosphere is at BB&T!

Great summary, Matt!

Excited for the game tomorrow. It'll be my first one at BB&T this year.

TB seems to be sputtering into the playoffs. Lost last 3 games by a combined score of 14-3. I don't know about their team internals, but the confidence of those predicting Tampa seems to be based on prior experience and pedigree and less on this year's performance and momentum.

Panthers, on the other hand, on a 6-game win streak and 8-2 in last 10 games. Panthers actually passed TB in goal differential with the 2 wins over Tampa; all season long, Tampa has been an order of magnitude higher than the Panthers so catching them in that category is quite an accomplishment.

Zito and Q have really put the Panthers in a position to succeed and the players have really stepped it up this year and are finally playing to the potential that we all know that they have.

Something tells me that Verhaeghe and Vatrano are going to be difference makers and the Bennett line is going to be very impactful.

Winning the Stanley Cup in a tough and late bubble environment, having a shortened off season, and playing a condensed all-division schedule this year, may be a bit too much wear and tear on TB this year. The Panthers series is going to be fast and physical. I like the Panthers in 5.

Go Panthers!

Bennett should wear the number 0 because that's how much integrity he's got.

Bennett should wear the number 0 because that's how much integrity he's got.
- eastcanadAREaholes

Which #9 jersey did you get, home red, road white, or the way cool reverse retro?
Enjoy the game, buddy

I can't wait to watch this series! Cats in 5. Hope you guys win the cup this year.

Bennett should wear the number 0 because that's how much integrity he's got.
- eastcanadAREaholes

. I would be as bitter as you are if the guy sucked for my team and then grabbed 15 pts in 10 games. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. This time, YOU LOSE.

I did my nhl.com bracket challenge. In a total homer move im going with the panthers i think i said 7 games. Also chose leafs out in rd 1 in true leafs fashion. Heres hoping im correct, im usually really terrible at picking.

. I would be as bitter as you are if the guy sucked for my team and then grabbed 15 pts in 10 games. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. This time, YOU LOSE.
- GudbransonFan

He listens to this on a loop while watching Bennett play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zEm-U1hC7E
And after every one of those 10 games I bet this guy looks like Randy Marsh after an internet “session”. (Hope he doesn’t get any on his brand new Bennett #9 jersey).
Perhaps he’s mostly pissed about his increased expenditures for hand lotion...

Bennett should wear the number 0 because that's how much integrity he's got.
- eastcanadAREaholes

Quit acting like a jilted lover. Good for that kid getting out of that tire fire.

Great summary, Matt!

Excited for the game tomorrow. It'll be my first one at BB&T this year.

TB seems to be sputtering into the playoffs. Lost last 3 games by a combined score of 14-3. I don't know about their team internals, but the confidence of those predicting Tampa seems to be based on prior experience and pedigree and less on this year's performance and momentum.

Panthers, on the other hand, on a 6-game win streak and 8-2 in last 10 games. Panthers actually passed TB in goal differential with the 2 wins over Tampa; all season long, Tampa has been an order of magnitude higher than the Panthers so catching them in that category is quite an accomplishment.

Zito and Q have really put the Panthers in a position to succeed and the players have really stepped it up this year and are finally playing to the potential that we all know that they have.

Something tells me that Verhaeghe and Vatrano are going to be difference makers and the Bennett line is going to be very impactful.

Winning the Stanley Cup in a tough and late bubble environment, having a shortened off season, and playing a condensed all-division schedule this year, may be a bit too much wear and tear on TB this year. The Panthers series is going to be fast and physical. I like the Panthers in 5.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

Thanks, Jimbo - can’t wait for tomorrow!

This could turn into the best series of them all. Should be a war.