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.

SUNRISE, FL – FEBRUARY 26: Derek Ryan #10 of the Edmonton Oilers raises his stick after scoring a goal past Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers during second period action at the FLA Live Arena on February 26, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

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!)

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?

SUNRISE, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Florida Panthers scores a goal against goaltender J-F Berube #30 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during third period action at the FLA Live Arena on February 24, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

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!

Who’s Not?

SUNRISE, FL – FEBRUARY 26: Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers on the ice for warm-ups prior to the start of the game against the Edmonton Oilers at the FLA Live Arena on February 26, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

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.

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!

Thank you for reading my latest article for Belly Up Sports! You can follow me on Twitter! And you can find other great articles about the NHL throughout the Belly Up Sports site!

About Author

Noah Berger

Noah is a student at FIU concentrating in sports journalism. He currently holds the position of Chief Engagement Officer for FishStripes and is the Florida Panther’s beat writer for BellyUpSports. Noah is also an expert in all things trains, a huge New York Jets fan, and can build any Lego. Noah is also a Sabbath Observant Jew, so he will not respond back to you between Sunset on Friday and Sunset on Saturday.

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