Panther Preview: Not Lovin’ Philly. Ever.

14-16-0

VS.

22-7-5

Today’s music video is Not In Love by Crystal Castles featuring Robert Smith of the Cure.

Tough test tonight as the Florida Panthers visit the Philadelphia Flyers who by the way just happen to have the best record in the NHL with 49 points.  That’s 21 more than the Panthers 28.  A challenging game for sure, but the Panthers have been known in recent times to surprise the naysayers and pull off a victory.  This matchup  is the one that most likely pumps up the Panthers the most.  Dating way back to the playoffs in 1996, all the way to current times and the richards and Booth hit.  There is no love from South Florida.

With a four goal outburst Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres, the Panthers went on to win 6-2 after blowing a 3-0 lead to Carolina two nights before.  Those two games were the result of fast starts, but each ended quite differently as in the Carlina game, the Cats forgot that there were 55 more minutes to play, and not only lost the lead, but the game.  Buffalo’s game was significantly better, as the foot was on the gas pedal all night long.

Marty Reasoner the veteran forward signed as a free agent this summer, has had some success scoring this year.  If you recall he was on a bit of a tear early on, while playing with Cory Stillman and Radek Dvorak, forming the Century Village Line. Since that time, Marty had a spurt where went 10 games without any points, and his linemates have suffered injuries.  He’s rejuvenated though as he’s now lining up with youngsters Shawn Matthias and Evgeny Dadonov.  Marty has 3 points in his last two games, including two goals Friday night agasint the Sabres.

The Panthers scoring by committee has been evident the past two games asd eleven players have points, and six of those players have two points each.  Bryan McCabe and winger Michael Frolik have scored goals early giving Florida momentum at the start of games.

If the Panthers have any chance against the Flyers tonight, a quick start, with a quick goal or two is needed.  Phily will surely attempt to play physical, and the Panthers will have to answer.  Scoring early, and controlling the game will take the Flyers away from their probable game plan.

Scoring leader Claude Giroux has 16 goals and is on an eight game point streak, while Captain Mike Richards leads with 32 points. There is offence everywhere you look.  Five players are in double digits for goals, so they’ve done their own spreading around of scoring.  Nikolai Zherdev has four goals in his last three games since being a healthy scratch earlier this month.

In goal for the Flyers both rookie Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher have been better than just solid.  Boucher is riding a personal four game wining streak, and “Bob” as some call him, got the victory the last time these two teams met.  Out of action though for this one, as well as the next 4-6 weeks will be defenceman Chris Pronger who had surgery on his right foot.  No need to worry about pucks being stolen tonight.

The Panthers feel they can compete in games like this as long as everyone plays a full 60 minutes.  Rising to the level of competition is something that some of the veterans on this team thrive on.  The proof is in the pudding as they say.  Not only is this  game a test of talent, it’s a test of character and resliency for them.  The Flyers are on a five game winning streak, having outscored the opposition 18-8.

This is no time for a letdown, and no time to be intimidated.

Here’s the TSN gameday preview.

Give some love to our FanSided opponent Broad Street Buzz.

Thanks for reading.  Your comments are welcomed and appreciated.

Have a great weekend!

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