A three game winning streak! On the road no less. Beating Buffalo, Detoilet and the NY Rangers!

After getting only 5 points in their first 10 games the Panthers who are now one of the hottest teams in the NHL have 17 in their last 11.

After beating Detoilet Scum The Red Wings in overtime Friday night, the Panthers arrived in New York around 2:00 AM and head coach Peter DeBoer had no idea what condition the boys would be in for Saturday’s contest.  He was however pleasantly surprised as the Panthers displayed alot of energy and excitement especially during the first period.  The Rangers seem surprised by the tenacity of the Panthers, as Florida spent most of the first period in the Rangers’ end outshooting them 12-7.

Even though the Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the first on Vinny Prospal’s 6th goal of the season, the Cat’s didn’t let up and didn’t wilt as one may expect.  Keeping the pressure on, the Panther’s tied the game at one on Rhino’s 10th of the year eight minutes into the second period.   Then the Panthers took the lead on a 50 foot backhander by Jordan Leopold that managed to bounce past Ranger goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, to take the lead. 

Early in the third period The Little Weasel rushed towards the net and took a shot on goal that Lundqvist stopped and Lazy Ass for once was in the right spot and did the right thing, banging the puck in for what turned out to be the game winner. 

Tomas Vokoun pretty much shut the door the rest of the way and continued his solid play, making a number of big saves during the third period especially on Sean Avery from very close range with about 2 minutes left.  Coach DeBoer had a great quote about the teams recent turnaround:  “The first 10 games of the year I wasn’t ready to jump off a bridge,” DeBoer said, “and I’m not ready to plan parades right now. “ 

Well put I say.  The Panthers record now sits at  10-9-2 as they get closer to the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

My Molson Canadien Player of the Game:  Nathan Horton (Lazy Ass).

I know I’ve been pretty hard on him as have others, but since he scored the game winner, I felt he deserved it and he has been playing slightly better as of late.

The Stripper whom I erroneously said was not going to dress/play, did get about 4 minutes of ice time last night including time on the power play.  “Fresh legs” is what DeBoer said about that move, so my apologies for that mistake, but that’s what I read.

This week is going to be a tough one.  4 games starting with the Penshits on Monday, followed by the Rangers again on Wednesday and Toronto on Friday, all at home.  Then a Saturday game on the road against Nashville.  8 possible points to gobble up.  None of these games are easy and even the Toronto game won’t be a layup.  The Panthers better be serious and look to get at least 5 of 8 points.  No time for a letdown, as they should keep up the good work and efficient play.

Thanks for reading.

Cheers.