Panthers Vs Wild: 5 Things To Watch

Minnesota Wild (3-3-2) At Florida Panthers (2-6-0)

The Florida Panthers take on the Minnesota Wild tonight at the BB&T Center. Here are five story lines to watch:

Oct 17, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie

(34) gives up a goal to defenseman

(not pictured) as Bruins defenseman

(33) looks on in the first period at BB&T Center. USA TODAY Sports

1) Fast Start

The Florida Panthers have allowed the games first goal in six of their eight games this season. It is no surprise that Florida has lost all six of those games. In their two victories, the Panthers have been the team to get on the board first. Coincidence? I think not.

A fast start is crucial tonight against the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota is wrapping up a five game road trip tonight in South Florida so they should be susceptible to a slow start and an early goal. That early goal will be key. Too many times this season, the Panthers have controlled the pace of the first period only to concede a goal against the run of play.

Score first and win. The formula is simple. Let’s hope the execution is as easy.