The Florida Panthers struggled in their last tuneup before the Stanley Cup Playoffs, losing 5-0 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The ads have been playing, the hype has been rising and the ice has been ready. And as of yesterday, albeit only exhibition games, hockey is officially back. Hockey is the greatest show and what may seem impossible can come true in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, the Florida Panthers were unable to realize that this afternoon as they seemed to not have it all together and lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-0. ‘
The biggest piece that seemed to be missing from the puzzle… DEFENSE! It was practically nonexistent. The Panthers began to get feisty and emotional in the third period and there was a beautiful opportunity for them to put a goal or two on the board when they were granted a 5 on 3 power play but it was all for naught.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
They had three breakaway opportunities throughout the game and a few of them came short-handed. But they got nothing to show for it. I’m not sure if them being off the ice for four months due to the pandemic had anything to do with it, or if it was related to game day jitters, but all I have to say is that they have until Saturday to fix their mistakes! That’s when the spotlight will be on them to show the Islanders what they’re made of.
Speaking of the Islanders, the Panthers have to realize what a formidable opponent the Islanders are. They are a tough team to beat and it will take the Panthers working as a team for the full 60 minutes and beyond if necessary to pull off the wins needed to advance to the actual playoffs.
Not to try to think too ahead into the future but if the Panthers do make it into the actual playoffs, their opponent will be the team that beat them today – the Tampa Bay Lightning. That’s why despite today’s game was only an exhibition-style game that didn’t count, it did count in a lot of ways.
This was an opportunity for the Panthers to show the fans, Coach Q, the organization, and most importantly themselves that they are a force to be reckoned with. That performance today was more like a domesticated house cat that was timid and afraid.
These next few days of practice will be crucial!! The Panthers need to shake off the cobwebs and get their act together!!!! It’s do or die Panthers fans and I’m not ready to go down without a fight. Hopefully, the Panthers will react the same way on Saturday. Let’s make it happen and show the NHL that we’re a great team. That’s all I have for now everyone. Thank you as always for reading and Let’s Go Cats!!!!!