Where We Are: We actually are coming off of a win! A power play goal really could have won the game in regulation, but any win over the hot Washington Capitals is a good one, so what if it took a fluke goal in the shootout?
Where They Are: Florida is coming off of a dominating 5-0 win over Carolina Thursday night. Catching a team on the second half of back-to-backs is usually a good thing but Florida is just so young and their goaltending is so good that it may not matter. The Panthers took advantage of Canes mistakes and jumped all over them. Since Tomas Vokoun started, it is likely that we will see Craig Anderson but the backup actually has better numbers than the starter so that isn't the boon one would hope for.Who To Watch For: Luckily they are without Rostislav Olesz, who hasn't played since December. Olesz always seemed to step up his game against the Rangers and he is thankfully out with a pulled groin. Of course Florida still has Stephen Weiss, who also does well against the Blueshirts, and Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester is everything that Wade Redden isn't - strong, dependable and worth every penny of the massive contract he is about to get. Nathan Horton had a huge game against the Canes and is finally turning into the game-breaking power player they spoke of years ago and Cory Stillman is proving he still has some gas in the tank, nearly averaging a point per game (31 in 37).
What To Watch For: See how the Rangers come out of the gates - are they going to be the quick-skating, hard-hitting team that started the Caps game or are they going to fall asleep in the sun and play as badly as they did in Jersey on Monday? Seeing as the Cats don't have a goon for Colt to beat up, we may be in for a long night.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: How about a power play goal? That would be a nice change.
Also Check Out: On Frozen Pond (not the fantastic Caps one, this is a good MSM one by a Miami Herald writer who writes from his heart and loves the game) and Litter Box Cats over at SBN.
Interesting Fact: After watching Mike Green tune us up for two goals, the topic of defensive hat tricks was brought up in the bar Wednesday night. Just two Blueshirt blueliners scored three in a game in the last 30 years, and both were against Philly - Brian Leetch and Reijo Ruotsalainen. Leetchie did it in the '95 playoffs against Ron Hextall (good call Mr. X) and Reijo pulled the trick in a regular season game in March of '82 against Pelle Lindbergh (RIP). Now it is virtually impossible for the current crop of Ranger rearguards to pull it off but if Bobby or Del Zotto progress as everyone hopes, you never know ...
Peepin' Foes: Florida Panthers – A Closer Look at the 2023 Season
The Florida Panthers have been making waves in the NHL during the 2023 season, with a blend of young talent, seasoned veterans, and impressive performances. In this article, we'll dive into the Panthers' journey, highlighting key moments, standout players, and addressing some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about their remarkable season.
A Season to Remember
The 2023 season has been one of excitement and optimism for the Florida Panthers. With a focus on building a competitive roster, they have become a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Let's explore some of the defining moments of their season:
The Sunrise Surge: The Panthers got off to a hot start in the season, consistently collecting points in the early months. This strong start set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
The Youth Movement: Florida boasts a group of talented young players, including Spencer Knight and Anton Lundell. These emerging stars have made significant contributions, showcasing the team's bright future.
Veteran Leadership: The Panthers have also relied on their experienced players. Aleksander Barkov's exceptional play on both ends of the ice, combined with the leadership of Aaron Ekblad, has been invaluable.
High-Octane Offense: Florida has been lighting up the scoreboard, with their power play unit ranking among the best in the league. The team's ability to generate offense has been a major asset.
Addressing FAQs About the Panthers' 2023 Season
1. Can the Panthers maintain their strong performance throughout the season?
The Panthers have shown consistency and depth in their roster, which bodes well for their continued success. Their ability to balance youth and experience has been a key factor in their strong performance.
2. Who are the standout players for the Panthers this season?
Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Spencer Knight have been standout performers. Barkov's two-way excellence, Huberdeau's offensive prowess, and Knight's goaltending have been crucial.
3. What challenges do the Panthers face as the season progresses?
As the season unfolds, staying healthy and managing the wear and tear of a long season will be challenges. Additionally, maintaining consistency in their special teams' play will be important.
Looking Ahead
The Florida Panthers have their sights set on a deep playoff run in 2023. With their potent offense, strong goaltending, and a mix of youth and experience, they are well-positioned for success. The team's management has done an excellent job in assembling a competitive roster, and the players have delivered on the ice.
As the season progresses, Panthers fans can look forward to more thrilling moments, incredible goals, and strong defensive plays. Whether it's a tightly contested divisional battle or a statement win against a conference rival, the Panthers have shown that they can compete with the best in the NHL.
The race for the Stanley Cup is always intense, but the Florida Panthers have what it takes to be serious contenders. With their exciting brand of hockey and a roster filled with talent, they are a team worth keeping an eye on as the 2023 season continues to unfold.
In the sunshine state, hockey is thriving, and the Panthers are at the forefront of this exciting resurgence. As they chase their championship dreams, the Panthers are sure to captivate fans and leave a lasting impact on the NHL landscape.
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