The Rat Trick
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Florida Panthers: Defensive Struggles Causing Chaos

By Mike McCanna

SUNRISE, FL - OCTOBER 13: Goaltender James Reimer #34 of the Florida Panthers defends the net with the help of teammate Aleksander Barkov #16 against Jay Beagle #83 of the Vancouver Canucks at the BB&T Center on October 13, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - OCTOBER 13: Goaltender James Reimer #34 of the Florida Panthers defends the net with the help of teammate Aleksander Barkov #16 against Jay Beagle #83 of the Vancouver Canucks at the BB&T Center on October 13, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Conclusion

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Frank Vatrano #72 of the Florida Panthers is mobbed by his team after scoring a goal in the third period at Barclays Center on October 24, 2018 the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Frank Vatrano #72 of the Florida Panthers is mobbed by his team after scoring a goal in the third period at Barclays Center on October 24, 2018 the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images) /

While the goalies have been Swiss cheese, the defense has had their fair share of holes, causing this slow start.

Some say that it’s only nine games and the team still needs time to gel and find their groove, which may be true. However, time is running out.

The East has plenty of teams gunning for playoff positions, and as we saw last season, a late-season push may not be enough.

On the bright side, the Panthers have been able to score goals this season. Mike Hoffman looks to be finding his place as his points streak has extended to seven games and Evgeni Dadonov has played like a superstar since he’s arrived.

However, unless Boughner is able to patch together this defense, the Panthers may in for a rough season.

dark. Next. Goaltending Remains a Huge Concern

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