Matt Ross: The Big Test: Cats vs Bolts

I know keep riding this scooter but dont forget detroit had back to back powerplays on embellishing larkin calls. This should be a game that lets us know if weve just been playing below our abilities due to the competition or if we are really still way out of our league.

I'll have a much better feeling if the Panthers can score first (and second and third). I don't like the idea of fighting come-from-behind battles against the Lightning.

I see Verhaeghe having a strong game and maybe Duclair will break the ice and put a puck or two in the net.

Go Panthers!

Will the Lightning be taking this game as serious as the Panthers? I think that is the question, yes the Lightning are 9-1-1 but if you have watched them they only really got up and played their best in the game against Carolina they lost 1-0 in overtime thanks to Mrazek standing on his head.

The Lightning are very good if they play within their structure and are very hard to beat, if you want to beat them you need to get them out of their structure and to do that you must clog up the neutral zone.

The Lightning are a 5vs5 beast this year, their PP is very lacking so if the Panthers can't hang at 5 on 5 then I like the Lightning's chances, they have been dominating on 5 vs 5 with I think a team combined 70%+ expected goal rate at 5 on 5.

Little 3 game set against the little brother, should be fun.

Some Pitt fan proposed this trade to fix the Penguins in Ek's column--

"Malkin, Letang, Dumoulin to Florida
Barkov and Ekblad to Pittsburgh

Florida gets marquee stars for jersey and ticket sales, Pittsburgh gets younger and more motivated guys to pair with Sid. Florida may need to send another player for salary purposes, Connolly perhaps. Ekblad NMC kicks in next year. "

I think I need to go to Cleveland Clinic because I hurt myself laughing too hard. Barkov, Ekblad, and another player so we can increase jersey sales? He must not have received the memo about limited seating due to Covid.

Here's an idea--how about Yandle for Crosby straight up? We'll take an often-injured All Star off their hands in exchange for an All Star who never misses a game. They can watch a recording-breaking streak in action (and improve jersey sales) and we'll watch another vet enjoy his twilight years in Florida.

Hahah ya i saw that too. What a dumbass trade proposal

Will the Lightning be taking this game as serious as the Panthers? I think that is the question, yes the Lightning are 9-1-1 but if you have watched them they only really got up and played their best in the game against Carolina they lost 1-0 in overtime thanks to Mrazek standing on his head.

The Lightning are very good if they play within their structure and are very hard to beat, if you want to beat them you need to get them out of their structure and to do that you must clog up the neutral zone.

The Lightning are a 5vs5 beast this year, their PP is very lacking so if the Panthers can't hang at 5 on 5 then I like the Lightning's chances, they have been dominating on 5 vs 5 with I think a team combined 70%+ expected goal rate at 5 on 5.

Little 3 game set against the little brother, should be fun.
- stammerman

I think with all the talk Panthers are doing about “measuring stick” the chance of TB coasting in the this game diminishes. Bolts are probably talking about going out and whooping them with that measuring stick.
Looking forward to watching this game.

Duclair out, covid protocol.
Wonder if Tippett will get a look in his spot. I’d like to that, but idk about trying it for the first time vs TB

Will the Lightning be taking this game as serious as the Panthers? I think that is the question, yes the Lightning are 9-1-1 but if you have watched them they only really got up and played their best in the game against Carolina they lost 1-0 in overtime thanks to Mrazek standing on his head.

The Lightning are very good if they play within their structure and are very hard to beat, if you want to beat them you need to get them out of their structure and to do that you must clog up the neutral zone.

The Lightning are a 5vs5 beast this year, their PP is very lacking so if the Panthers can't hang at 5 on 5 then I like the Lightning's chances, they have been dominating on 5 vs 5 with I think a team combined 70%+ expected goal rate at 5 on 5.

Little 3 game set against the little brother, should be fun.
- stammerman

Nice insight - appreciate it! Looking forward to a good game.

Duclair out, covid protocol.
Wonder if Tippett will get a look in his spot. I’d like to that, but idk about trying it for the first time vs TB
- Ratsreign

Tippett on the first line would be interesting to see, Rats.

Some Pitt fan proposed this trade to fix the Penguins in Ek's column--

"Malkin, Letang, Dumoulin to Florida
Barkov and Ekblad to Pittsburgh

Florida gets marquee stars for jersey and ticket sales, Pittsburgh gets younger and more motivated guys to pair with Sid. Florida may need to send another player for salary purposes, Connolly perhaps. Ekblad NMC kicks in next year. "

I think I need to go to Cleveland Clinic because I hurt myself laughing too hard. Barkov, Ekblad, and another player so we can increase jersey sales? He must not have received the memo about limited seating due to Covid.

Here's an idea--how about Yandle for Crosby straight up? We'll take an often-injured All Star off their hands in exchange for an All Star who never misses a game. They can watch a recording-breaking streak in action (and improve jersey sales) and we'll watch another vet enjoy his twilight years in Florida.
- JimboCoppertone

Hahaha.

No stammer as well hopefully that helps

Decent start lets keep it up

That first period went the exact opposite of how I thought it would go - and that’s a good thing!

The Cats need to play at this pace/intensity every game.

Yes they are playing excellent tonight the huge too many men brain fart is a big blemish but so far so good

Bob come on buddy keep that body up way too much room

Oh my word after like 10 shots at the empty net we finally have an empty net goal for the year!!!

Great win, a real confidence builder. Could be a pivotal game for the season.

Not too shabby, eh?
Vasilevski was unreal again tonight, FL could’ve had 6 or more.
When Point made it 4-2, it had the feeling of next goal wins for a few minutes. Good for FL to settle things down and not lose control of the game.

That still bothered me. No stamkos, no kucherov so basically just point to cover and he still breaks in for 2 goals. Cover that guy!