Good Morning! Seemed like the Panthers were just on a lengthy road trip. They start a new four game trip this afternoon in Boston. Two super important divisional points are on the line. Can the Panthers rise to the occasion?
The Numbers
[table id=TS02G30 /] [table id=IS02G30 /] [table id=GM02G30 /]* – Stats are courtesy of War-on-Ice.com, Puckalytics.com and Hockey-Reference.com
Projected Lineups
[table id=PRPF02G28 /] [table id=PRPD02G26 /] [table id=PRPG02G06 /] [table id=PROF02G30 /] [table id=PROD02G30 /] [table id=PROG02G30 /]The Rundown
Thursday night saw the Panthers snap a two game losing streak, grabbing two points against the Metropolitan Division leading Washington Capitals. It was a huge two points at that, after the Panthers had dropped two in a row to Eastern Conference opponents after a five game winning streak. That included dropping two huge points against Ottawa, the fifth blown third period lead of the season. What’s done is done, and the Panthers won the game, that’s what mattered most.
Al Montoya had to make just 19 saves on the night, but his performance against the Capitals power play seemed particularly notable. There were at least three or four times where the Capitals were able to set up Alex Ovechkin for his patented one-timer, and Montoya shut the door each time. Of course the lone goal Montoya gave up, to Ovechkin, was of a similar variety, though not on the power play. If you let Ovechkin get that many cracks at that play, he’s bound to breakthrough at some point.
Now, do you want a sign of encouragement? Of course you do! Since Dmitry Kulikov returned to the lineup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Panthers have been a +50 score adjusted CF% team in every game. This stands in stark contrast with being a sub-50% team in eight of the nine games leading up to that Columbus game. That’s not the only eye popping set of numbers either. When Kulikov, Aaron Ekblad, Sasha Barkov, and Jaromir Jagr are all in the lineup, the Panthers have been an above-50% team in 8 of 11 games. When missing at least one of these players, the Panthers have been an above-50% team in just 5 of 18 games.
That is insanity.
It goes to show how good these players are, and perhaps also highlight an issue of depth on this Panthers team. Losing any of these players is bad news and, at least to date, there has not been a workable, sustainable solution when they leave the lineup. This will need to change at some point in the future.
That, however, will not be an issue as the Panthers start this afternoon’s game though. All four will be in the line up for what is easily the biggest game of the year to date, especially when you consider what the Panthers have already yielded within the division. They are in direct competition with the Bruins for a playoff spot, and the Panthers desperately need to get this one over the Bs. They dropped the first meeting between these teams on October 30 at BB&T Center, handing two points to their divisional rival. Add in the above two points given to Ottawa on Tuesday, and you have got a nice mess.
This game should be a difficult one as well. The Bruins are led offensively by a rejuvenated David Krejci, who is having a bounce back year after being dogged by injury last season. Of course, you also have the dynamic duo of Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron up front. Tuukka Rask has also been turning it around since his rough start. He was a sub .900 goalie last time these teams clashed in October. Rask’s numbers have since normalized, and possesses an adjusted save percentage near 93%.
Closing Thoughts
Once again, allow me to drum up support for #CatsForACause. As of the posting of this Pre-Game Skate, we were sitting at $957. Who thinks $1,000 is reachable today? I do! Let’s make it happen folks, and then some. Remember, our goal is to raise $3,000 on the season. Make a donation today, and let us know on Twitter using #CatsForACause!
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