Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

You have to be impressed by the hard skating, high level of work rate and commitment shown by both teams yesterday, in the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. Florida travelled to this crucial playoff-race game without two of its best and most influential players; Horton and McCabe, and yet continued to battle to the very end – to claim a point of the spoils.

This was playoff hockey as both teams put everything on the line in this riveting contest. Pittsburgh dominated the first and third periods. Sandwiched in-between was an outstanding second three-nothing period by the Panthers. Overall the visitors were badly outshot; 21-to-50, yet they carried a 3-1 lead going in to the third. And at this time it was the Penguins that were lucky to get back in to the game as they got a couple of fortunate bounces to tie the game at 3.

The officials also did the best they could to help the home team by taking 6 iffy penalty calls on the Panthers, while turning a blind eye on all Pittsburgh transgressions but two. I guess that’s what you get when you have rabid fans cheering for the home side – and that famous seventh man in the stands made a big difference on this night. From a Florida perspective we can only hope things even out in the long run, as they always have a tendency to do, and that the crowd in Sunrise will rise to the challenge and lend a helping hand to Cats the when taking on cross-state rivals Tampa Bay on Saturday.

The ref's liked what they saw in Pittsburgh and awarded the home team plenty of iffy man-advantages. Here a Penguin gets a penalty call in the previous game in Sunrise.

The home side started the match in a furious tempo and left the first period with a one-nothing lead (Evgeni Malkin scoring a nice backhanded goal in to the top shelf, from just outside of the crease, 18:31 in to the contest). Perhaps it lulled the Penguins’ stars in to a false sense of security and the Panthers were quick to take advantage in the second period.

Nick Boynton, back in the line-up after five games on the sidelines, shot an uncharacteristically well-placed wristshot-sledgehammer in to Marc-Andre Fleury’s top hand – right corner – to equalize the score. Nick wasn’t satisfied yet however and wanted more. Fed by Cory Stillman behind the net, Boynton loaded another shot from the point. Fleury saved this slapshot, but Kamil Kreps was in front of the goal, digging up the rebound and squeezing it in.

Although it was Brett McLean that was given the task to step in for the injured Nathan Horton, in his first line center position, it was Kreps that stole the show with his aggressive, gritty performance – earning him plenty of ice-time in reward.

Kamil Kreps was on the fly against the Penguins, scoring a goal and putting in an aggressive all-round performance that earned him some extra icetime. Here in the home game a week ago.

Keith Ballard then stepped up at the end of the second period and deflected home a cross-crease shot/pass from Ville Peltonen, to make it 3-1. But, like Boynton said in the interval “the game’s not over yet” and the Penguins came out with a fire in their belly for the third period. Jordan Staal capped an impressive overall performance by volleying home the 2-3 goal; only 2:20 in to the third phase of the contest.

The Pens kept up their unrelenting pressure on an outstanding Tomas Vokoun in the Panther goal and soon got the deserved equalizer; courtesy of Captain Sidney Crosby and a lucky bounce that had the puck deflecting off the post and then hitting Vokoun’s sprawling legs – deflecting back in to the Florida net.

Tomas wasn’t to blame for that goal, but nonetheless redeemed it by making a fantastic highlight-reel save, only moments later; when flinging himself through the air to make an incredible save on an open net chance. It was an arms-outstretched save that would have made any soccer goalie proud. Vokie now locked up his goal, threw away the keys and finished the game with no less than 47 saves to his name.

Tomas saw a lot of action in front of his net in Pittsburgh and was forced to make 47 stops. Here Campbell and Crosby are chasing the puck in front of Vokoun, with Skrastins trailing, in the previous match-up at the B.A.C.

The high amount of shots produced by Pittsburgh in this game (50!), and the previous one against the Panthers at the Bank Atlantic Center, is a direct result of new coach Dan Bylsma and his attack mined hockey-philosophy, as defender Sergei Gonchar described after the game: “We are spending a lot of time in their offensive zone. […] We made a goal for ourselves to shoot the puck as much as we can. We take shots and those shots are creating lots of scoring chances.”

It payed off in the third period as the game was tied at three, and in the ensuing shootout the Penguins proved far superior; scoring on two of three attempts (Letang and Malkin scored, Crosby missed), while the Cats tamely missed both their chances (Zednik and Weiss). Especially with Horton out of the line-up, Florida simply misses the skilled flair-players to be able to compete in a shootout scenario.

Hence, the Panthers should be pleased they came away with a point from a very difficult away game, but yes, one does get greedy and want both – as Florida coach Pete DeBoer admitted after this thriller of a game: "It’s a big point this time of the year, but we had the opportunity to get two and you get greedy this time of the year."

Yet, there is another opportunity waiting just around the corner – from which to take two points…

Next up is a visit to Buffalo for another crucial playoff-race game. Keith Ballard, I think it was, said it well when saying something to the effect of: “Each and every ‘next game’ is the biggest game of the season, this time of year.” So it seems when a mere point can throw a team up or tumbling down in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Sabres lost yesterday 2-5 against the Philadelphia Flyers, who on a different note look set for that 4th spot in the Conference, and the home side will consequently view the match against the Panthers as a must win game. Hence, if we manage to beat Buffalo (in regulation time) they may very well fall out of the playoff race; which not only means two vital points for the Cats, but also one less opponent to worry about down the stretch.

Sure the Sabres could still recover, as there are plenty of games left to be played, but their confidence would surely be severely ruptured by losing on home ice against Florida at this crucial part of the season. Not to mention that they are already three points behind the pack and would thus risk being five points to the rear of a playoff spot.

Nevertheless, Thursday’s game does loom large ahead with additional importance for both clubs. It’s just a shame that local TV, FSN Florida, won’t be showing the game….

The Florida Panthers players, staff and fans are in the midst of gearing up for an epic combat in Raleigh this evening. The eighth spot is up for grabs and whoever wins the contest will set themselves in pole position, as we enter a hectic and very thorny stretch of games here in February for the Cats and the other playoff hopefuls.

Neither combatants saw action last night, but there were skirmishes elsewhere with massive implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race. Let’s take a look at the results and standings to see what the repercussions are for Florida.

New York Islanders @ New Jersey Devils 2-4

The Islanders put up a good fight, especially their goaltender MacDonald saved any potential blushes with an impressive performance. However, the Devils proved too good for the New Yorkers and especially Langenbrunner and Parise continued their goalscoring ways with two each; winning the game for New Jersey 4-2.

This shouldn’t have too much bearing on Florida as New Jersey look far too classy to ever get involved in the playoff race, they are more comfortable up-front among the Divisional leaders.

Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers 4-5 SO

The big story here was that Washington defenseman Mike Green continued scoring (2) to tie the record consecutive goals scored for a defenseman in the league. Nonetheless it proved not to be enough for the Caps as the Rangers – for the ninth time this season – prevailed in the shootout. If they ever do make the playoffs they owe a debt of gratitude to goalie Lundqvist who keeps winnings those shootout challenges for his team. Another positive for Rangers was that they finally managed to score some goals(!)

Disappointing for the Cats as we would have hoped a dejected Rangers side would show up here in Sunrise tomorrow and that we then would be able to rise past them in the standings. Yet, by getting another shootout win in New York, it should see their confidence levels markedly increase and it will now be another tough game for the Panthers. No one seriously doubts at this moment in time that Washington won’t win the Southeast Division and qualify for the playoffs, but they can nonetheless not afford to start relaxing quite yet.

Chicago Blackhawks @ Atlanta Thrashers 3-1

The Atlanta Thrashers are of course dead and buried as far as the playoffs are concerned, but they did put up a massive effort against the Hawks and only an stupendous string of saves from Khabibulin could stop them from winning this game. Chicago are not as comfortable away from home, but have now strung together some nice victories on this latest 8 game road trip they’ve been on.

Blackhawks will grace the Bank Atlantic Center ice next Thursday, and looking at this result it will be a tough game for the Panthers. They are young, hungry and aggressive – it will certainly be a good test for Florida to see how well we match-up with the better Western teams. As for Atlanta the best they can wish for at the moment is getting that No.1 draft pick this summer…

Ottawa Senators @ Buffalo Sabres 3-1

The Sabres were let down by their bungling power-play and could not get enough pressure on the Ottawa net to score plural goals and win this game. The Senators meanwhile had a good game as their top-line was in the mood to play. That is not always the case, but when they are – Ottawa win more often than not. Shame for them it happens at a point in the season when it doesn’t really mean that much; the playoffs remains firmly out of the Senators reach.

Ottawa win one for the books and Panthers fans will be delighted. This means we are merely two points behind the Sabres with two games in hand! Also, it must be mentioned, the loss of top-scorer Vanek for several weeks will be a very tough blow to Buffalo’s hopes of making the post-season. But then again that is the risk you take as a club if you are too dependent on one or a couple of players to perform. Maybe Ottawa should take some notes here…

San Jose Sharks @ Pittsburgh Penguins 1-2 SO

After affirming their Stanley Cup credentials against Boston (5-2), the Sharks came up empty handed against a more desperate Penguins side. It was a goalie match-up that went all the way to a shootout; were Crosby scored the winner on Sharks goaltender Boucher. Both netminders had spectacular games between the pipes, but it was Fleury that claimed the bragging rights at the end of the tiebreaker.

Not good for Florida as the Sharks again let us down badly. They have now in short time lost both against Carolina and Pittsburgh and San Jose have certainly not been helping us in the playoff-scramble one bit. (Maybe it is there revenge on us for beating them earlier in the season…) Anyway, Pittsburgh win and put themselves within a point of the Panthers, but with more games played. The Penguins may prove to be a difficult team to shake off; which makes it all the more important to beat Carolina and catch up with Buffalo tonight.

Montréal Canadiens @ Edmonton Oilers 2-7

Montreal’s woeful trip to the Northwestern parts of Canada continued with another hammering; this time against Edmonton. In truth the Oilers just had one of those days were all the pucks bounced their way and the Canadiens couldn’t get any breaks whatsoever (especially not the poor goaltender Price). Nonetheless a disturbing loss if you are a Montreal fan – hoping for centennial celebrations at the end of this year. The Oilers meanwhile put themselves back in to the playoff contention in the West with this win.

Losing seven straight games on the road is not the way to get yourself in to the playoffs, and indeed, Montreal may now be on the way of not only getting embroiled in the playoff race – but also slide down to the wrong side of the standings if nothing changes dramatically and soon. This is good news for the Panthers as it means we have another team locked in sight that we can catch up with – and pass – down the stretch.

A couple of Panthers threats to that eighth spot, and beyond, were in action yesterday as the race tightens further. Making the playoffs will be a momentous task for Florida, but on the bright side we have fate in our own hands – with plenty of home matches and games to spare on the closest opponents. Winning against Philly was a great scalp, coming out from the All Star break, but there is no room for error as all teams get in to playoff mode.

The Panthers were hoping from more helping hands from Rangers, after they beat Carolina in their previous game, before taking last night’s trip to the steel city. Sidney Crosby returned from injury for the Pittsburgh Penguins and stated assertively that the playoffs start here. And a playoff game it was as the Penguins and Rangers were locked in crunching action. It was tied at one going in to the third period, but then the scene exploded and Pittsburgh ended up winning the period 5-1, and the game 6-2.

Pittsburgh finally started playing as a team and Captain Crosby deserves some credit for this revitalization. He had four points on the night, including a spectacular backhand shot – buried deep in to the top corner. Kris Letang also contributed with timely goals (2) and Florida need to take the threat posed by the Penguins seriously. We all know the level of talent in the squad and what they are able to do on their day (after all they were Stanley Cup finalists just last year). Level on points as us, but with a couple of games more played; who would bet against the Penguins making the playoffs? Not me.

All the more important then to catch up with the Sabres, and perhaps one of the other teams ahead of them, if we don’t want to bite our collective Cat claws all the way down the wire in April. Buffalo played again yesterday in Northwestern Canada, this time in Calgary. The Flames were well warned following Sabres 10-2 undressing of the Oilers the previous night and turned out to be too hot to handle for the visitors. The home side formed a different challenge entirely and there was always an element of control in their 5-2 win. Mike Cammalleri scored a hattrick and former Panther Todd Bertuzzi chipped in with the game winning goal, as it later turned out to be.

Good news for Florida that the Sabres finally lost, and so; we have a chance tonight to move within one point of them by beating the Canadiens – who are on a three game losing streak – sitting merely eight points ahead of us in the table. A win tonight and they too are within striking distance. Montreal’s last loss, their first after the All Star festivities, came at Tampa Bay, losing 3-5.

Whilst most Panthers sneer contemptuously at what the Lightning have been up to this season, fact is that they’ve won their last three and have been in scorching form since the Christmas break. They are now eight points out of the playoff race, but if they can continue to keep up their play at a consistent top-level and get the star players to continue shining; we can’t yet count them out of the race either. Later today they travel to North Carolina for an important game against the faltering Hurricanes. With the teams respective in-form-temperature-gage going in opposite directions, it remains uncertain what result would be best for the Cats. But of utmost significance – is that it doesn’t become a three point contest.

Elsewhere highflying Bruins entertain the red-hot Devils, whilst at the bottom the Thrashers entertain the Islanders. Ottawa and Toronto travel west for games against St. Louis and Colorado respectively. None of these games are expected to have any immediate effect on the Panthers, but as we next head to New York to meet the Islanders; an eye might be glanced at their direction to assess their current form: After all there are no easy games and we did lose that last time we played in the Nassau Coliseum on New Year’s Eve.

So, with all the action elsewhere and all the possible outcomes of those contests, the most important one is indubitably the game we play inside the Bank Atlantic Center. We are 0-2-1 against the Canadiens this season and need to change those statistics. A win would be priceless, but will undoubtedly come at the price of a sizeable Panther effort; all players need to perform tonight!

Hopefully Thomas Vokoun can continue his solid ways between the pipes – it will be necessary. We also need a couple of pucks bouncing our way whilst remaining unyielding at the back – as there is no room to err in a tight game as this will almost certainly be; and with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and Buffalo doing what they can to take the playoffs spots up for grab away from us – the Panthers must defend what we currently have with every drop of blood and sweat available.

Bust or break, it’s now or never; if we are to realize our playoff dreams and ambitions!

Rarely ever has that cliché been more applicable than when describing the current Panther schedule. After five days of rest from game day situations, the Cats suit up for a Philadelphia side that will be projected to come out flying, if you’ll excuse the pun. But, fact is that this Philly side is arguably the most aggressive in the NHL and has no problem taking plenty of penalties during a game. So, getting the Florida power-play clicking and not being dragged in to this style of play – will be paramount to achieve victory tonight.

Part of Philadelphia’s success with this forceful style of tactics is due their excellent man-disadvantage stats, topping the league with 13 shorthanded goals, and simply that the tradeoff between aggression and penalties seems to be in the Flyers advantage. They take more penalties, yes, but the aggressive play rattles the opponents and creates scoring chances – literally on the fly. The fact that they are on a losing streak at the moment is only likely to make the visitors come even harder at the South Floridian hosts. After the Tampa Bay loss yesterday, captain Mike Richards called on his team to respond today. So the Panthers better be ready for a battle – because they’ll probably be sent to the wars tonight…

No time to rest for the wicked however, tomorrow it’s off across the state to archrivals Tampa Bay Lightning. Another very tough and physical game is to be expected at the St. Pete’s Times Forum. Having lost our last two games against the Bolts, nothing can be taken for granted here. The Lightning have been experiencing some mixed fortunes of late; beating Philadelphia 4-1 yesterday, but losing 1-7 in San Jose. However, sparks regularly fly when these two Floridian rivals clash and tomorrow is unlikely to be an exception to that rule.

Question is if the Panthers are up for two such grueling games in as many days; especially after those “cushy” five days off from hard-hitting game rhythm.

Florida’s Head Coach Pete DeBoer said he has tried to counter those qualms by orchestrating a high tempo skating session yesterday, pressing his players physically and preparing them mentally for the upcoming Philadelphia challenge. Hopefully this will be enough so we don’t have to witness a repeat of the post-Christmas run of defeats; following a similar spell with a couple of days off from competitive Hockey.

And as if these two mammoth games weren’t enough…

On Monday, Florida entertains fellow playoff hopefuls Buffalo Sabres, at the Bank Atlantic Center. The Sabres snapped their losing streak against Dallas yesterday and it’s likely to have fed their confidence with some much needed reassurance. They staged a remarkable comeback late in that game (they were 3 goals down at one time) and finally overcame the Stars deep in to the penalty shootout rounds, winning 5-4. Buffalo are a quick-skating team and so the Panthers can’t exhibit any stiff- or limpness, from the Flyers or Lightning games, if they are to keep up with the blistering pace the Sabres like to set out from the beginning.

Overall, it seems like the Cats have again been the victims of a very harsh NHL schedule; the only light at the end of this tumultuous twister – is that fact the worst part of that schedule will be done by Monday. Of course, we still have to contend a tricky Dallas team next Wednesday, but the key games will be the ones played prior to this – and especially that Buffalo game on Monday. Then there’ll be some well-deserved relief for all Panther players – except Jay Bouwmeester and Michael Frolik obviously; who’ll both make appearances at Montreal’s All Star weekend.

All in all there are some exhilarating times ahead for Panthers’ fans as the playoff battle comes alive and intensifies – in the upcoming days and weeks…