Panther Gameday: Panthers vs. Maple Leafs

29-31-11

VS.

26-34-12

Another Canadian road trip begins tonight as the Florida Panthers visit one of my favourite cities, Toronto.  A three game road trip which finds Florida sitting in the 11th spot in the Eastern Conference seven points behind 8th place Boston.  Can they catch Boston?  Some think there’s still a chance, and if that’s you, please be careful as the kool-aid is about empty.

Coming off a win at home against Tampa which came after a loss at home the night before against Buffalo, the Panthers hope to turn things around on the road as they have lost seven of their last nine road games and the last time they made this road trip through Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal they lost two of three.

Scott Clemmensen is apparently making his second start in a row, spelling relief for Tomas Vokoun who has had some unfortunate bounces and a ton of shots thrown at him.  Not sure about this move.  I understand giving Vokoun a bit of a breather, but if the Panthers and Pete DeBoer actually still feel that they have the slightest chance of making the playoffs, then wouldn’t you go with your number one guy?  I really believe that this is a mistake by DeBoer.  Another one that you can add to his personnel mismanagement.  I firmly believe he’s made some poor decisions this season, and this one could bit him in the arse.

Nathan Horton has a goal and three assists in three games since coming back from his broken tibia and missing 17 games. He’s seeing some power play time and has been effective by utilizing his patience (which sometimes is too much) and by his creative passing.

There have also been some line changes recently with Cory Stillman being put on the top line with Little Stevie and Horton, while David Booth, Michael Frolik are on the second line with Steven Reinprecht.  Seemed to work in the Tampa game and we’ll see how long it continues.

The Leafs on the other hand while still 29th overall in the NHL and 15th in the Eastern Conference, have been playing much better of late and are desperately trying to get out of that final spot.  The addition of Dion Phanuef and J.S. Guiguere has had a positive impact in the brief time they have been there.  When you think of what the Leafs gave up to get Phanuef, it makes you wonder why the Panthers didn’t put together a package like that.  I mean we could have traded Olesz, Reinprecht and Stillman and or Kreps for that deal.  Imagine Dion Phanuef in a Panthers sweater!

The Leafs are looking for their fourth win in a row and their youngsters are playing pretty well during this span.  It’s possible that young goalie Jonas Gustavson, labeled “The Monster” will get the call in goal tonight.  He has won his last five starts and has a 2-1 record against the Panthers this season.

Youngster Tyler Bozak a center is hot for Toronto with 8 points in his last 6 games and Nikolai Kulemin has 9 points in his last 7.   Phil Kessel leads Toronto with 28 goals and 51 points in his first season in the “Capital of Hockey”

The Rusty Olesz watch:  No points now in 21 consecutive games!

Mind you he has played 21 games in a row as well.  I would think that he should have sat in the press box at least once, don’t you?  Also, Michael Frolik has gotten another “cold” as he has no points in his last 6 games in his season of inconsistency.

Who has more to play for in this one?  The Panthers whose playoff hopes are all but dead?  Or the Leafs who are playing their best hockey of the year and making the effort to stay out of the cellar? When the Panthers need to win they lose (Buffalo).  When we expect them to lose they win (Tampa).

Don’t ever accuse them of being consistent.  Unless you mean consistently inconsistent.

Check your rear view mirror Florida.  If you’re not careful you could easliy switch places with the Leafs.

Thanks for reading.

Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

Cheers