I wanted to do a couple write-ups prior to the season, but here we are, already. So, after the first period of the regular season: Defense is still awful. Please, someone take Yandle. We're giving him away. Just get him out of town. He has to go. I love the progress McCann has made. This kid hustles, and is dangerous with the puck on his stick. He should've scored on that early breakaway - I watched him score in the exact same spot against Budaj a week ago. But he's exciting to watch, and is a necessary surprise talent on that bottom 6. Offense looks good. They're getting their chances, they've just gotta get 'em in the net. It'll come. Man, seeing Huby and Barkov on the ice together is a treat. Dadonov and Vrbata have been around the puck. They have to be big contributors this year. Looking forward to them getting comfortable. Obvious, the team is going to take time getting used to the new system and coach. I like Boughner, and the players seem to, as well. Hopefully the growing pains are quick, and they're humming by the back half of the schedule. Despite knowing it's going to be a while before they click, I'm glad to have tickets a-plenty for that first half of the season, anyway. Can't wait to be in the stands tomorrow. This team was stepping forward 2 years ago - let's hope this year forgets the last. Get excited, kids. Hockey's here. I hope to see you at the stadium. Speak up, Panthers fans - let's hear you, here!!
Panthers win the home opener, down here. Another game that saw them down 2-0 early, they not only battled back to tie it, but they put it away in the third. While the defense is still being caught cheating up and trying to play the attack, they're contributing on offense. Personally, I'd rather see them stay back, a bit - our goalies are being hung out to dry. Florida owned the shot total, and possession of the puck. Tampa didn't even get a shot on goal for most of the 2nd period. Unfortunately, they took a lot of low percentage shots from the bottom of the shooting circle, so the numbers look inflated. Dadonov was really the hero of the night, scoring one early, and then getting the assist for Trocheck late. Florida has to start figuring out the right spots to pass and shoot, because they're often taking the wrong option of the two, depending on the situation. They have to start giving their goalies some help coming back down the ice. But I think we'll see those things shored up as the season goes on. What they showed tonight, for the second game in a row, was a ton of fight, and a forecheck/pursuit of the puck that is very effective. They started to show signs of regrouping and holding the blue line, defensively, which is what Boughner is stressing. Good passes down the ice are starting to materialize. The team has a lot of talent, and there are a lot of good things happening. They're going to lose their share while they try and get on the same page, with the new approaches, but I think they might have something towards the back half of the season. There's no reason this team, provided they stay healthy, shouldn't be in contention for some extra hockey, once the regular season's over. Tampa played a good game. Vasilevsky played both nights in the back to back, which is disappointing - they would've eaten Budaj alive. Tampa is aggressive and skilled offensively, over their top two lines. The defense is aggressive down low and stays in position. They're another team looking for a real bounce back. The Panthers fans were awesome. What a night. Anyone who had the pleasure of being in that stadium won't forget it. I can't say as much for Tampa fans there, last night - glad to see them take the L. They deserved it, regardless of how their team played. Season is starting in earnest. Can't wait. As always, Go Panthers!!
