Summary:
The Panthers continue to pick up points on the road and are hoping to continue the momentum tonight in Colorado. Will Florida’s offense finally start to click? On to the game!
Historical Context:
In 31 games played against the Colorado Avalanche, the Panthers have 9 wins, 16 losses, 3 ties, and 3 overtime losses. This leaves the team with 24 points and a .387% points percentage. This ranks Colorado as team number 27 out of 29 opponents on the Panthers total win column.
Also, Colorado and Florida have a little bit of history together.
What To Expect:
The Panthers should be able to capitalize on the Avalanche’s lack of puck possession and get few goals in. Colorado is currently averaging 35.7 shots allowed game (3rd worst in the league) and are somewhat thin on defense. If Florida is available to contain Colorado’s young players, they should be able to squeak out a win.
Know Your Enemy:
Matt Duchene: To put it bluntly, he’s fast. Like, REALLY FAST. Duchene is easily one of the best skaters in the league and utilizes this speed to the fullest. At the age of 23, Duchene has yet to show any signs of slowing down. With 23 Goals and 70 Points in 71 games last season, Duchene is just one of many offensive dynamos on this very young Avalanche team.
Expected Line Combinations:
Florida Panthers:
L1: Bergenheim/Barkov/Boyes
L2: Huberdeau/Bjugstad/Upshall
L3: Fleischmann/Pirri/Jokinen
L4: Kopecky/MacKenzie/Thornton
D1: Campbell/Ekblad
D2: Mitchell/Kulikov
D3: Olsen/Gudbranson
Starting G: Luongo
Backup G: Montoya
Colorado Avalanche:
L1: Landeskog/Mackinnon/O’Reilly
L2: McGinn/Duchene/Iginla
L3: Tanguay/Mitchell/Briere
L4: McLeod/Cliche/Talbot
D1: Holden/Johnson
D2: Hejda/Barrie
D3: Stuart/Guenin
Starting G: Berra
Backup G: Pickard
Closing Thoughts:
I have high hopes for this game. Florida might be able to grab their 5th out of 6 possible points on the road and they need to continue to generate momentum until they’re back at the BB&T Center next week. I’ll be live-tweeting most of the game so send me a tweet and say hello!
Kris M. can be reached for contact on Twitter or via email at [email protected].
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