Getting Better (All the Time)
The title of this blog could equally be true about the Florida Panthers and Michael Frolik respectively. At the beginning of the season both looked timid, taken by the moment and searching for chemistry. All that apprehensiveness made points seem elusive and hard to come by. But, there are no great secrets to a successful formula. In fact Coach Pete DeBoer has been preaching simplicity from day one – and now we all can see why.
Being more straightforward in approach, has helped Frolik and his team mates to find a winning mentality. The gentle, and sometimes not so gentle, pressure from the coaching staff on the players – has helped bring out the best of them. They play with desperation, as Florida commentator and expert Denis Potvin keenly stresses in his post-match analysis. With the mantra of accountability echoing through the inner chambers of the Panthers dressing room; the message has been " no one is immune". No one is above working hard for the cause of the team. Tactically the team also utilizes an unfussy dump and chase mindset. Not to say there is no room for individualism and skill; but the team comes first.
Whilst Florida employs this tactic partly out of necessity, because they lack the big skilful playmaking stars (after the Jokinen trade) or the tricky speedster – Ovechkin type – winger, and partly because it is proven to give good results if only the effort and energy is there. Night in and night out, this is what the Panthers have started to bring to the table; grit and determination, we’ve become a difficult team to beat (just ask the Sharks). And, after all, as DeBoer was quick to point out early on in the season: "We are in the business of winning Hockey games" and winning they are.
However, there is more than just grit and energy in the Florida roster, there is also some undoubted talent on display at Sunrise. A rising star among them is Michael Frolik. Yesterday he was again at the forefront of action, becoming the hero after scoring two goals, helping the Panthers to another 3-0 win – this time against the Nashville Predators.
"He’s been good for a long time, but he was outstanding today," DeBoer said abot Frolik’s performance in the game. "He ended up with (nine) shots on net. I’m a believer. He’s gotten better and better." Indeed he has. Michael himself said after a solid Colorado game last Sunday: "I feel comfortable. Every day it’s getting better and better, especially if you win and you’re getting good ice time." [Quotes from panthers.nhl.com]
Frolik has been a stand-out player of late, getting 11 points in the last 10 games. Certainly contributing much to the Panther’s resurgent December form. Having been placed in the Center position the last few games, one might be excused if expecting Frolik to struggle initially to find his bearings, but this has not been the case. It seems the transition to either right or left wing, or in to the center is a seamless one for the youngster. If nothing else this is a testament to the bright talent that is Michael Frolik. It takes natural hockey instincts to be able to move so freely and unhindered between positions and Michael just seems to be growing in confidence with every minute on the ice: Yesterday’s game was just the icing on the proverbial Christmas cake for him.
Another Panther who will undoubtedly have a merry Christmas is Tomas Vokoun. Having stood in the shadow of Anderson, much of the early going, he’s now back with a vengeance. One of the first to feel the wrath of Vokoun was his old club Nashville. Tomas was outstanding when put to the test and blanked out the, at times, circling Predators. The pressure is now back on Anderson to buckle down, work hard on his game, and try to push Tomas for the starting nod. While Vokoun keeps shutting down teams, it will of course be a struggle, but a good team needs two combative goalies and so far the Florida Panthers have been opulently blessed on this front.
The Nashville win was a fantastic way to wrap up some much needed Christmas joy to fans and players alike. Before the game the Panther spotlight was on keeping focused for 60 minutes. Forget about Christmas, at least for the moment. And boy did the Cats do just that!
The first period was played in a blazing offensive tempo from both teams and the supreme surprise was that it was still 0-0 come the interval. DeBoer wasn’t quite happy with the defensive play and the many break-outs. Going in to the second period he got everyone to click both offensively and defensively. Not least Frolik. A blistering Panther period was highlighted by a fantastic side stepping goal by Michael. The seemingly invincible Pekka Rinne, in the Nashville goal, was finally forced to surrender. And once he let in one goal, the second one never looked far off. In the end it was Stillman who shuffled in a Zednik feed late on in the third period, effectively ending the contest. Frolik couldn’t help but help himself to a second goal in the dying embers of the game (in an open net this time), adding a glossy feel to the yuletide score.
The Panther’s players fully deserve whatever is under their respective Christmas trees, but the best present of all – they gave themselves; a steady influx of points and a clear shot at the playoffs. Keep improving and there is no need for the festivities to end any time soon.
What a game! It was very exciting and fun to watch – and the players seemed to be having fun as well, especially Frolik and his “hot stick”!!
Indeed the Panthers needed this win, and win they did – you’re absolutely right, there’s no better way to finish off for the Christmas break than with a fair chance at the playoffs, something the Cats may have forgotten what it feels like!!!
Undoubtley Frolik was the star of the game, but I have to give it to Vokoun – he showed us just how good he really is, and reminded us he is All Star material! What a sharp, solid goal tending night!
And whilst on the note, we cannot forget about the great Rinne. I was very impressed with his skill and the sharpness of his goaltending – the man had eyes in all directions!!! No wonder he has 5 shutouts in the season already!
Overall, I was happy and impressed and enjoyed the game thoroughly!!