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Panthers @ Senators - 12/19/13
The Cats are on the hunt! Florida has looked like a legitiment hockey team for a change and as a fan, I'm buying in. But, am I crazy for thinking Panthers get it done tonight against an inconsistent Sens team? Maybe...
Panthers execution on plays has been solid and they are starting to score more consistently. A good sign is the players buying into the coach's system. Horacheck has been the interim coach for the past 19 games going 10-8-1. Since the change, Panthers' players have rebooted mentally. With a new coach they feel like a new team that has a chance to prove itself once again.
Quote from The Miami Herald: “It took a while, but look at what Pete has done, and I think it has been fantastic,’’ Brian Campbell said. “You almost have to give him those first two games back. Things changed, and everyone was given a good, clean slate. Guys were given opportunities, and we’ve bought in.’’ http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/1...#storylink=cpy .
Ok so? The Panthers think they can win... big deal right? I like the confidence though. It's always a little easier winning when a team believes in their coach. The whole team is working together and goals have been on an opportunistic basis. Love it.
Clemensen will be in net and has looked sharp in his recent outings. In his last three games he has stopped 68 of 72 shots with a 3-0-0 record with a shootout win. With Tim Thomas on IR till Friday, Scotty will have one more win to pull out on the road. With opposing goalie Andersen in net he may not have to be as stellar as he has been, though I'd prefer it.
Huberdeau has been a good young player for the Panthers. The kid's sophmore year isn't superb but he has a knack for scoring (awesome shootout/penalty shot ability). He will be back in the line-up tonight and may offer some finesse on offense. This isn't huge news of course but he's a bright spot on their line-up.
Senators are coming off a terrible outing against the Devils on the road and haven't looked consistent all season. To top the frustration off, they can't seem to keep the puck out of the net lately and have had a 3.28 GAA since last playing the Panthers Dec. 3. At home they have been rather disappointing with a 7-9-3 record. I liked the win against the Blues but again inconsistency prevailed and they followed it up with a loss to an average Devils team.
Craig Andersen has been god awful in net with a 3.36 GAA. Yikes! When this guy's confidence is shaken he is worthless. A bit of personal out-look here... As a Panther fan, I was a mad fat believer in Craig when he was our back-up. He would come out and play hard every time making crazy saves. He was confident. Didn't have the best record I think, but he passed the eye test to me. Wasn't surprised he got a starting position in Colorado the next year(s). Recently I have not been so convinced of his ability to keep the puck from crossing that all too important line. I wonder if his confidence will be an issue tonight.
I get it, Senators have had Florida's number this season but I smell revenge stew cooking on the fire. Historically I'm crazy for picking this. The Sens own the Cats. Florida has lost their last 7 at Ottawa. However, Senators haven't been playing well at home this season and in Florida's last meeting at Ottawa, Horacheck was on his first day as head coach. The Panthers team was a mess then. This is a much better Cats team now and they will look to answer back.
Anyways, as usual I'd appreciate any advice/thoughts/discussion on the game. I'm willing to admit I'm being a bit of a homer but I think the Panthers have a good chance here at the very least. As always... Good luck everyone!!
Panthers (+115) @ Senators
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Originally Posted by jonnyboy21
Damn I am pumped right now! Awesome game! Panthers take it 4-2
