This is the night we have all waited for. Panthers regular season hockey returns to South Florida tonight after a half year’s long break. The 2015-16 season lifts off with a visit from the Philadelphia Flyers. Are you ready for some hockey? That was a rhetorical question, of course you are!
The Numbers
[table id=TS02G01 /] [table id=IS02G01 /] [table id=GM02G01 /]* – Stats are courtesy of War-on-Ice.com and Hockey-Reference.com
Projected Lineups
[table id=PRPF02G01 /] [table id=PRPD02G01 /] [table id=PRPG02G01 /] [table id=PROF02G01 /] [table id=PROD02G01 /] [table id=PROG02G01 /]The Rundown
Tonight is the first step in a hopefully long journey for the Panthers. We don’t know yet what to truly expect from the Panthers, as this incarnation plays its first meaningful game as a group tonight. We are about to get our first taste of what this team is all about. Regardless though, the expectations are higher than they’ve been years. It’s playoffs or bust.
One thing we do know is that, though initially thought to be sitting for tonight’s game, Connor Brickley will make his NHL debut tonight on a line with Derek MacKenzie and Shawn Thornton. This kid worked so hard starting in Rookie Camp a month ago, and turned his excellent effort there into an excellent Training Camp with the Panthers. Its great to see his effort rewarded. The only downside is that Quinton Howden sits in favor of Shawn Thornton, who likely draws in to face Philadelphia based on reputation of the team. Radko Gudas, the biggest threat on the Flyers, is in the press box tonight.
Speaking of the Flyers, they opened their season Thursday night against our friends from West Coast Florida, the Eastern Conference Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. This wasn’t just any other season opener though. This game had the distinction of being the first to feature a 3-on-3 overtime in NHL history. It ended poorly for the Flyers though, as former Panther Jason Garrison won the game for Tampa Bay on a breakaway.
Ending not withstanding, the Flyers looked good. They were able to handle Tampa Bay’s aggressive style of play without a significant, horrible breakdown. The Flyers were also able to assert themselves nicely, finding ways to sneak into the slot. There are a couple of spots on the Flyers roster that don’t inspire a ton of confidence at first glance, namely the defense. However, with a solid Top 6 forward core, this team can be dangerous on any given night if it pulls itself together.
This game is also the first game of a home and home series, so prepare to get cozy with the Flyers. The Panthers will help open up Philadelphia’s home schedule on Monday night.
Closing Thoughts
This season, we here at The Sunshine Skate are raising money for RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) through #CatsForACause. Our goal is to raise $3,000, of which we have so far raised $635. Florida Panthers owners Doug Cifu and Vinnie Viola have also graciously agreed to match all donations, dollar for dollar, up to our $3,000 goal.
@kristalkshockey @SunshineSkateFL great effort again guys. Vinnie and I will match every donation made up to the full $3000. Let's do this.
— Doug Cifu (@Dougielarge) October 6, 2015
Please think about making a donation tonight, whether it be a one time donation or making a pledge. Any dollar amount helps. Let us know if you make a pledge by using #CatsForACause on Twitter. I have taken a pledge myself: $2 for every Panthers win and $5 for every Panthers shutout.
AJ can be reached for contact on Twitter.
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