Game Day Preview: Penguins vs. Panthers

                                                            VS.

The Florida Panthers who are on a three game winning streak host the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at the “Bank” as they go for four in a row.  The Panthers who after a terrible start (2-7-1) have rebounded and have won eight of their last eleven games with goaltender Tomas Vokoun providing the solid netminding that he was expected to give.  Over his last eight starts Vokoun is 6-1-1 with a 1.71 goals against average and a .947 save percentage.

The Panthers are 8-2-1 in these last eleven games and have won six of seven on the road which is quite an accomplishment for any team let alone these guys.  It shows that patience and hard work can sometimes get you out of your slump.  I admit to having zero confidence in this team a few weeks ago, but over the last few games that thinking is changing.  My hope is that they are able to keep it up.

The Penguins started out the season with a  7-0 road record, but then lost 4 in a row before beating Atlanta in the road Saturday night.  Martin Skoula had two goals in that game for Pittsburgh.  You remeber Skoula don’t you?  Former Minnesota Wild defenceman who had a tryout with the Panthers, didn’t make it, but was good enough to catch on with the Stanley Cup Champs.  Would love to go back to the offseason and re-think the deal that the Panthers gave to defenceman turned forward, turned whipping boy, The Stripper and maybe sign Skoula instead.

In the previous meeting between these two clubs back in October the Panthers wasted a great performance by Vokoun who made 41 saves including 6 in overtime as the Panthers lost the lead and the game.  Cindy Crosbitch scored two goals that night forcing the game to overtime and then scored the only goal of the shootout giving the Penguins the victory.  Cindy has been in a bit of a scoring funk after getting nine goals in his first twelve games.  He now has one in his last 11, but does have a five game point streak.

Over the last 14 games at home against the Penguins the Panthers are 10-3-1.  If the Panthers are able to keep up the pace and work ethic that they’ve displayed over the last few games, this should be a good one.  No time for a let down and if there was ever a time to play with the level of your competition, tonight is the night.

As you all know I hate the Penguins.  Check out my post from eartlier this morning as I did a little something on Cindy for your viewing pleasure.

Can’t be at the game tonight, but hopefully will be able to watch on the bigscreen at home. 

Hey Cindy-this is for you!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers