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Forums :: Blog World :: Matt Ross: Battle for Florida (Again)
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Matt Ross
Joined: 03.15.2013

Apr 17 @ 12:49 AM ET
Matt Ross: Battle for Florida (Again)
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 9:53 AM ET
Get powerplay going you say??? Remove yandle. I just dont see how hes a "specialist"... he fakes a shot and passes to one of two spots. There isnt a dman in the bigs that shouldnt be able to do this, and most of them should be able to do it faster. And of course all of this is only WHEN his dragging arse gets the puck up the ice!!!!
JimboCoppertone
Florida Panthers
Location: Sunny SoFla
Joined: 01.22.2016

Apr 17 @ 11:18 AM ET
Although they lost the game in OT, the Panthers thoroughly outplayed the Lightning and should have won. They put 2 by Vasi, but knocked in two themselves (off Weegar and Driedger). IMO, this is a huge improvement from when they were giving up breakaways by the bunch. It means they are well positioned, playing tight, and are the victims of bad/lucky bounces.

With the same intensity tonight and a good bounce, the Panthers can pull it off. They should not be intimidated by the Lightning any more (benefit of playing them 8 times before the playoffs start).

The Lightning at their best might be unbeatable, but the team on ice in the last month is clearly beatable. Keep the pressure on, take a lot of intelligent shots (not chest logo bruisers), close the deal on the breakaways, and stay out of the penalty box. Oh, and replace Yandle on PP1 with Forsling.

I can't tell the difference between the Yandle-run power play and a time out any more because nothing happens, except the clock keeps running.

Go Panthers!
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Supercharged engine powered by high octane butthurt
Joined: 01.29.2013

Apr 17 @ 11:19 AM ET
Vasi is arguably the closest analog to Hasek in today's game. He flops. He throws away his stick. He flails around. He makes snow angels. He makes impossible behind-the-back saves. And he's a good puck-handler. Every time I watch him play, I am grateful that he plays for the Lightning and not someone else. In a season without Kucherov, he is stealing games and points in the standings.

Now that Glass Cannon Stamkos is hurt again, the Lightning are going to lean on Vasi even harder.

So, let me ask this - what is up with Bob? If Bob was playing 75% as well as Vasi, the Panthers would be comfortably leading the division and in the Cup conversation. What the heck happened to Bob? And if he fails to live up to his cap-hit, what to do with him?
Matt Ross
Joined: 03.15.2013

Apr 17 @ 11:47 AM ET
Although they lost the game in OT, the Panthers thoroughly outplayed the Lightning and should have won. They put 2 by Vasi, but knocked in two themselves (off Weegar and Driedger). IMO, this is a huge improvement from when they were giving up breakaways by the bunch. It means they are well positioned, playing tight, and are the victims of bad/lucky bounces.

With the same intensity tonight and a good bounce, the Panthers can pull it off. They should not be intimidated by the Lightning any more (benefit of playing them 8 times before the playoffs start).

The Lightning at their best might be unbeatable, but the team on ice in the last month is clearly beatable. Keep the pressure on, take a lot of intelligent shots (not chest logo bruisers), close the deal on the breakaways, and stay out of the penalty box. Oh, and replace Yandle on PP1 with Forsling.

I can't tell the difference between the Yandle-run power play and a time out any more because nothing happens, except the clock keeps running.

Go Panthers!

- JimboCoppertone


Certainly some bad bounces off Weegar and Driedger, but they still could (should) have had that one.

I agree that with their roster improvements, and in a season where Kucherov/Stamkos are out, the Cats shouldn’t feel like the “little brother” to Tampa anymore. Thursday showed they can beat these guys.

Come out swinging tonight and keep that pace/intensity up!
Matt Ross
Joined: 03.15.2013

Apr 17 @ 11:56 AM ET
Vasi is arguably the closest analog to Hasek in today's game. He flops. He throws away his stick. He flails around. He makes snow angels. He makes impossible behind-the-back saves. And he's a good puck-handler. Every time I watch him play, I am grateful that he plays for the Lightning and not someone else. In a season without Kucherov, he is stealing games and points in the standings.

Now that Glass Cannon Stamkos is hurt again, the Lightning are going to lean on Vasi even harder.

So, let me ask this - what is up with Bob? If Bob was playing 75% as well as Vasi, the Panthers would be comfortably leading the division and in the Cup conversation. What the heck happened to Bob? And if he fails to live up to his cap-hit, what to do with him?

- GalacticStone


Vasi is incredible, man. A total rock in the blue paint and fun to watch.

Bob has come around. He’s looked/played far better this season than he did last season. I know he was dealing with an injury during parts of last season.

I think the biggest thing with him is confidence. He seems like the kind of guy that is his own worst enemy and gets in his own head. I think the contract weighed (weighs) on him, too. I never liked the money/term and it puts him under a big microscope - even in a market like Florida - and I think that plays on his mind and effects his game.

That being said, there’s a been a big improvement from last season to this one. His confidence visibly better and you can see if by how he carries himself on the ice. He’s able to bounce back after giving up goals, where last season it felt like the snowball effect would happen after he let one in. The defense being improved certainly helps him too.


JimboCoppertone
Florida Panthers
Location: Sunny SoFla
Joined: 01.22.2016

Apr 17 @ 12:10 PM ET
Vasi is incredible, man. A total rock in the blue paint and fun to watch.

Bob has come around. He’s looked/played far better this season than he did last season. I know he was dealing with an injury during parts of last season.

I think the biggest thing with him is confidence. He seems like the kind of guy that is his own worst enemy and gets in his own head. I think the contract weighed (weighs) on him, too. I never liked the money/term and it puts him under a big microscope - even in a market like Florida - and I think that plays on his mind and effects his game.

That being said, there’s a been a big improvement from last season to this one. His confidence visibly better and you can see if by how he carries himself on the ice. He’s able to bounce back after giving up goals, where last season it felt like the snowball effect would happen after he let one in. The defense being improved certainly helps him too.

- Matt Ross


The team has been playing substantially better in front of him too. Last year, the defense was simply pitiful. Earlier this year, there were stretches of 3 breakaways against in a row (even while on power play). Things have tightened up since then and not so coincidentally, Bob's performance has improved.
edge1
Joined: 07.08.2015

Apr 17 @ 12:51 PM ET
Yandle wastes half of every power play with the same backward pass. He is back to last season's form.
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Supercharged engine powered by high octane butthurt
Joined: 01.29.2013

Apr 17 @ 1:05 PM ET
Vasi is incredible, man. A total rock in the blue paint and fun to watch.

Bob has come around. He’s looked/played far better this season than he did last season. I know he was dealing with an injury during parts of last season.

I think the biggest thing with him is confidence. He seems like the kind of guy that is his own worst enemy and gets in his own head. I think the contract weighed (weighs) on him, too. I never liked the money/term and it puts him under a big microscope - even in a market like Florida - and I think that plays on his mind and effects his game.

That being said, there’s a been a big improvement from last season to this one. His confidence visibly better and you can see if by how he carries himself on the ice. He’s able to bounce back after giving up goals, where last season it felt like the snowball effect would happen after he let one in. The defense being improved certainly helps him too.

- Matt Ross


I've noticed the "head" thing about Bob before. I saw it when he played for Columbus. Sometimes it seems like he is his own worst enemy. The guy is a brilliantly-talented goalie when he's dialed-in, but he seems to have intermittent issues with finding that dialed-in zone. God help the Cats opponents if Bob finds his top form and maintains it. If he could play 75% as good as Vasi, the Cats would be a legit contender.

Barkov is a boss. Ekblad is a stud (thankfully the Bolts, he's out), and the Cats have more depth than I think many give them credit for. The defense has definitely improved and imagine how solid it would be if Ekblad wasn't hurt - although I am not sure the Cats make the trade moves they did if Ekblad was healthy.

Yeah, Yandle does Yandle things. His best days are behind him. Having said that, I'd trade Schenn for him any day.





Justbecause
Location: World, ON
Joined: 02.08.2020

Apr 17 @ 1:22 PM ET
Vasi is arguably the closest analog to Hasek in today's game. He flops. He throws away his stick. He flails around. He makes snow angels. He makes impossible behind-the-back saves. And he's a good puck-handler. Every time I watch him play, I am grateful that he plays for the Lightning and not someone else. In a season without Kucherov, he is stealing games and points in the standings.

Now that Glass Cannon Stamkos is hurt again, the Lightning are going to lean on Vasi even harder.

So, let me ask this - what is up with Bob? If Bob was playing 75% as well as Vasi, the Panthers would be comfortably leading the division and in the Cup conversation. What the heck happened to Bob? And if he fails to live up to his cap-hit, what to do with him?

- GalacticStone

Cooper says Stammer will be back on ice soon and be ready to return at specified date. You believe?
GalacticStone
Tampa Bay Lightning
Location: Supercharged engine powered by high octane butthurt
Joined: 01.29.2013

Apr 17 @ 1:51 PM ET
Cooper says Stammer will be back on ice soon and be ready to return at specified date. You believe?
- Justbecause

I think Cooper wants to believe it. I have arrived at the reluctant conclusion that Stamkos' injury history is not entirely the product of bad luck, but that he's injury prone. If he was a boxer, he would have a wicked jab and uppercut, but also a glass jaw.

Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 5:20 PM ET
Sounds like bennett is in. I wasnt as over the moon about the trade as some of you but i dont mind being wrong when it doesnt involve the wife
Ratsreign
Florida Panthers
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL
Joined: 10.27.2017

Apr 17 @ 6:18 PM ET
Sounds like bennett is in. I wasnt as over the moon about the trade as some of you but i dont mind being wrong when it doesnt involve the wife
- Shynes57

Bennett centering Hubie and Duclair.
Ratsreign
Florida Panthers
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL
Joined: 10.27.2017

Apr 17 @ 6:22 PM ET
Vasi is arguably the closest analog to Hasek in today's game. He flops. He throws away his stick. He flails around. He makes snow angels. He makes impossible behind-the-back saves. And he's a good puck-handler. Every time I watch him play, I am grateful that he plays for the Lightning and not someone else. In a season without Kucherov, he is stealing games and points in the standings.

Now that Glass Cannon Stamkos is hurt again, the Lightning are going to lean on Vasi even harder.

So, let me ask this - what is up with Bob? If Bob was playing 75% as well as Vasi, the Panthers would be comfortably leading the division and in the Cup conversation. What the heck happened to Bob? And if he fails to live up to his cap-hit, what to do with him?

- GalacticStone

Vasi has a good argument for the Hart Trophy, imo.
I really hate that guy....

Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 7:39 PM ET
Hey hey the new guys getting on the sheet tonight. We seem to be having a ton of trouble getting the puck out passed our blue line tonight
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 7:52 PM ET
Decent start now can we hold a lead please for once
Matt Ross
Joined: 03.15.2013

Apr 17 @ 8:42 PM ET
Nice hit by Bennett earlier in the game.

4-2 heading into the third. Let’s hold this thing!
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 8:51 PM ET
Still ok could have done without giving up that late goal though
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 9:08 PM ET
Really could have done without that early 3rd period goal ......
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 17 @ 9:38 PM ET
Phew pulled out a win. Too close for my liking
eastcanadAREaholes
Calgary Flames
Joined: 09.28.2020

Apr 17 @ 11:03 PM ET
I caught the last 10 mins, I thought Bennett actually looked engaged. He was much more alert and had some hustle in his game. I knew this would happen after he got traded - fact is, it was impossible to get him to care in Calgary. If he keeps up this type of play, it makes me wonder what's going on in Calgary's locker room..
Ratsreign
Florida Panthers
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL
Joined: 10.27.2017

Apr 18 @ 5:59 AM ET
I caught the last 10 mins, I thought Bennett actually looked engaged. He was much more alert and had some hustle in his game. I knew this would happen after he got traded - fact is, it was impossible to get him to care in Calgary. If he keeps up this type of play, it makes me wonder what's going on in Calgary's locker room..
- eastcanadAREaholes

You should’ve seen the first ten or so minutes https://twitter.com/Sport...5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=
Bennett with 2 assists tonight, looked good centering Huberdeau and Duclair.
Ratsreign
Florida Panthers
Location: Mo can stay awhile, FL
Joined: 10.27.2017

Apr 18 @ 6:03 AM ET
I've noticed the "head" thing about Bob before. I saw it when he played for Columbus. Sometimes it seems like he is his own worst enemy. The guy is a brilliantly-talented goalie when he's dialed-in, but he seems to have intermittent issues with finding that dialed-in zone. God help the Cats opponents if Bob finds his top form and maintains it. If he could play 75% as good as Vasi, the Cats would be a legit contender.

Barkov is a boss. Ekblad is a stud (thankfully the Bolts, he's out), and the Cats have more depth than I think many give them credit for. The defense has definitely improved and imagine how solid it would be if Ekblad wasn't hurt - although I am not sure the Cats make the trade moves they did if Ekblad was healthy.

Yeah, Yandle does Yandle things. His best days are behind him. Having said that, I'd trade Schenn for him any day.

- GalacticStone


Yandle for Schenn? LoL, Done deal. At least there’d be no drama in scratching Schenn if/when his play warranted it.
Shynes57
Florida Panthers
Joined: 11.12.2019

Apr 18 @ 6:54 AM ET
Yandle for Schenn? LoL, Done deal. At least there’d be no drama in scratching Schenn if/when his play warranted it.
- Ratsreign

Heck ya do it just to get yandle off the books and powerplay
eastcanadAREaholes
Calgary Flames
Joined: 09.28.2020

Apr 18 @ 1:31 PM ET
You should’ve seen the first ten or so minutes https://twitter.com/Sport...5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=
Bennett with 2 assists tonight, looked good centering Huberdeau and Duclair.

- Ratsreign

The thing with Sam is, he isn't a black/white "playoff Sam" vs "regular season Sam", I strongly believe he was upset over his development in Calgary, improper line mates, inexperienced coaches, small contract - and his playoff games were statements about what he could do, and this game was another statement out of Sam. I still don't respect the fact he made millions and didn't try on purpose in Calgary.

Sam's going to be a lesson about buying low for the Panthers, taking a chance on a highly sought after position vs. Calgary's burden of blame for the mismanagement of his development, and Sam's retribution. I think there's also some truth behind Gaudreau forcing the coaches hand by playing poorly whenever he was separated from Monahan - and I think THAT really drove Bennett up the wall, and he started to do likewise (and I think Sutter realized that or found out from the assistants, and like an alpha, he separated Gaudreau & Monahan, and now he even has Monahan playing on the PK lol)
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