That Wasn’t Ideal
“Do we have to talk about last week?” “Yes.” “UGH, fine.” -Conversation in my head.
Nashville and Columbus
The Panthers had a decidedly ROUGH time in the first half of the homestand. They lost three straight games on home ice for the first time this season, and it was not fun. It began with a back and forth game against the Nashville Predators that included the Panthers blowing their lead not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES. Nashville took that one 6-4, and we were all left wondering why Sergei Bobrovsky was starting his fourth game in a row. Then on Thursday, we finally got to see Jonas Johansson get his first start as a Panther. He faced off against *checks notes* Jean-François Bérubé, the Blue Jackets’ fourth-string goalie. It should be a nice, high-scoring Panthers win, right? WRONG! Jojo let in five goals on 28 shots while Berube made 39(!) saves on 42 shots, giving Columbus the 6-3 victory. At this point, I asked myself, “Where in the world is Spencer Knight?” We’ll get to that later.
Edmonton
Then on Saturday, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers came to town. The league’s top three scorers facing off on a Saturday afternoon ended up taking a back seat to the Derek Ryan show. “Who is Derek Ryan?” I hear you say. My only response is, “I have no idea, but he scored a hat trick against us.” The Panthers lost that game 4-3.
So, What’s Next?
The Ottawa Senators come to town for Star Wars Night at FLA Live Arena. (Shoutout to the Panthers Graphics Department for this INSANE gameday graphic!)
Episode LIV: The Homestand Continues#OTTvsFLA | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/N4vvkm7aeg
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 3, 2022
It’s a double bounce-back game for the Panthers, considering they lost 8-2 to the Senators the last time they came to town. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen again. The homestand concludes on Saturday with a visit from the Detroit Red Wings before the Panthers head to the Northeast.
Who’s Hot?
In this section, a frequent topic of conversation, Jonathan Huberdeau‘s point streak is up to 10 games. Two goals and 15 assists over the last ten games should at least be worth some of your attention! (That’s what’s called a shameless callback to a previous article.) Captain Aleksander Barkov has a point streak of his own, sitting at two games (two points and two assists). And while the Panthers did lose their last three games, there was no shortage of offense. Sadly, the offense was more prevalent on the opposing teams.
The Panthers’ graphics and PR departments are on the hottest of streaks lately. As I wrote this, they posted this MAGNIFICENT graphic!
Do or do not. There is no try. #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/UjI5DGjy90
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 3, 2022
Who’s Not?
Can someone please tell me how a team with this much talent has such a HORRIFIC power play? In the past three games, the Panthers’ power play went an abysmal 3/12. It seemed like they couldn’t get a zone entry if they paid for it! Of course, the elephant in the room is Sergei Bobrovsky, who hasn’t been playing so well as of late. To that, I say, “It’s a long season, RELAX!”
Who’s In?
The lineup looks the same as they ran on Saturday, per Jameson Olive at the morning skate.
Defense:
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) March 3, 2022
Weegar – Ekblad
Forsling – Gudas
Carlsson – Montour
Who’s Out?
Joe Thornton continues to deal with an undisclosed injury and wore a non-contact sweater during recent practices. While at the same time, Maxim Mamin and Noel Acciari continue to rotate in and out of the lineup as they both recover from injuries.
Noah’s Notes
Finnish Dream Team?
After clearing through re-entry waivers, the Panthers announced that they signed defenseman Petteri Lindbohm to a one-year contract on Tuesday. At various international tournaments, the 28-year-old Finn has prior playing time with fellow Finns Aleksander Barkov, Eetu Luostarinen, and Anton Lundell. With the KHL season being canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Panthers are hoping he carries some momentum from winning Olympic Gold one week ago.
Spencer Knight Did WHAT!?
A 44 save shutout against the Hershey Bears, that’s what! I think it’s safe to say this stint in the AHL will bode well for his confidence down the line. In other words, CALL HIM BACK UP!
