Matt Ross: Game #20: Boston Bruins

As long as Barkov is in Florida there is no way they take the C away from him.

Don't overlook the Panthers' unique and special ability to take a dumb penalty at the most inopportune times, crushing any comeback momentum.

If we don't make the playoffs, and they're looking pretty unlikely now, I don't see Maurice being there for a year 2. From my seats, at the very top of FLA Live Arena, the Presidents' Trophy winning team is imploding.

Dont worry guys Bob is going to turn it around now that I finally dropped him off of my fantasy team.

Any regrets on not giving Brunette the head coaching job after the success of last season?

Dont worry guys Bob is going to turn it around now that I finally dropped him off of my fantasy team.

Any regrets on not giving Brunette the head coaching job after the success of last season?
- Zach Jarom

Nope, Brunette wasn't ready for the full head-coaching role, couldn't/wouldn't make adjustments. They playoffs are different - you play the same team 7 times in a row, not 7 different teams. So teams learn tendencies and adapt to styles. Brunette rode the same stiff power play to the full 1 for 25 experience, for example. What worked in the regular season against 30 other NHL teams, he kept doing against the playoff opponents in front of him seemingly without any changes whatsoever. Boom, didn't work too well vs Washington and failed totally vs Tampa.

The issue is that Maurice was apparently not the right replacement. He may have gone too far in implementing new structures/systems to a team that was pretty sound and just needed tweaks. And, I don't see a whole lot of in-game or game-to-game adjustments from Maurice either.

Bob's stats don't look great, but the defense in front of him has been terrible.

Looks like a rush to the lifeboats.

As long as Barkov is in Florida there is no way they take the C away from him.
- jacke1ope

I know it’s a ridiculous thought, but I think Barky might be someone that’s moved depending on the outcome of this season.

Zito gives the vibe (at least to me) to feel this core has had many years to get the job done and they haven’t done it. Hence the Huby/Weegar trade. I don’t think Barky or Ekblad are safe.

I’ve felt that bringing in Tkachuk was a signal that they’re starting to go in a different direction than the product that’s been failing each year. They want to go with a more aggressive and outspoken swagger, both on and off the ice, and that’s why I feel the torch gets passed to Chuky soon.

Dont worry guys Bob is going to turn it around now that I finally dropped him off of my fantasy team.

Any regrets on not giving Brunette the head coaching job after the success of last season?
- Zach Jarom

LOL to the Bob comment. He’s had some softies, but the defense has really been bad in front of him. These past few losses have been good examples of how a defense should not operate. Haha.

Regarding Brunette…I feel the same way Jimbo does. I liked him as a person and he was clearly a player’s coach, but he couldn’t adjust (ever) and that horrid PP run last season where they didn’t score on the man advantage for what seemed like 30-something opportunities, was a good example of that. I think he also benefited a bit taking over for the blueprints that Q laid out and was fortunate that the firepower was rolling.

But here’s the thing, he’s with NJ now and they’re playing out of their minds good. So I never overlook the importance of a guy like Brunette in terms of being that pillar that takes the pressure off for players. That’s what I always felt his strength was: letting someone else be more of the disciplinarian, while he connected with players and probably helped ease the anxieties that come with playing at the ultra-competitive NHL level.

Don't overlook the Panthers' unique and special ability to take a dumb penalty at the most inopportune times, crushing any comeback momentum.

If we don't make the playoffs, and they're looking pretty unlikely now, I don't see Maurice being there for a year 2. From my seats, at the very top of FLA Live Arena, the Presidents' Trophy winning team is imploding.
- JimboCoppertone

Agreed. Though my seats are on a couch - HA!

I know it’s a ridiculous thought, but I think Barky might be someone that’s moved depending on the outcome of this season.

Zito gives the vibe (at least to me) to feel this core has had many years to get the job done and they haven’t done it. Hence the Huby/Weegar trade. I don’t think Barky or Ekblad are safe.

I’ve felt that bringing in Tkachuk was a signal that they’re starting to go in a different direction than the product that’s been failing each year. They want to go with a more aggressive and outspoken swagger, both on and off the ice, and that’s why I feel the torch gets passed to Chuky soon.
- Matt Ross

I think Barky is the one who will be a career long Panther. Would be a little shocking to see, but I can see them possibly move on from Ekblad when next deal is due.

Agreed. Though my seats are on a couch - HA!
- Matt Ross

What does it cost to park on your couch?

It might be worth it to join you.

What does it cost to park on your couch?

It might be worth it to join you.
- JimboCoppertone

Haha!

Where has Shynes been?

Panthers love taking penalties and giving up goals…

Nice to have the PP clicking for a game.
Knight was on fire

See if they can keep it going now