Panthers vs. Penguins preview: Bobrovsky’s back

Tonight, the Florida Panthers will be taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a big game for them, as they will be looking to avoid their third straight loss.

The Panthers are certainly happy heading into the contest, though, as goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is back and will be starting. He has been absolutely spectacular so far this season. In seven games, he has a 6-0-0 record, 1.72 GAA and .948 SV%. This is the elite kind of goaltending that led the Panthers to sign him in the first place.

Bobrovsky returning really couldn’t have come at a better time. Spencer Knight struggled in each of his last two starts and could use a bit of time away from the net to regroup. On Monday, he allowed four goals on 18 shots against the New York Rangers. He then followed that up by letting in six goals against the New Jersey Devils the next night.

The Penguins aren’t a walk in the park, either. Although they currently have a 4-3-4 record, they still have players who are dangerous on the ice and can make things happen. If the Panthers take them too lightly, it shouldn’t be hard for the Penguins to hand them their third straight loss. When seeing as how the Panthers started off so wonderfully this season, that would be a major disappointment.

In Florida’s season opener against the Penguins, it ended up being a very close contest. The Panthers just snuck by them with a 5-4 overtime win. It would not be too surprising to see these two end up right back in overtime again tonight, too.!

Some fun predictions for the Panthers:

• Patric Hornqvist is playing in Pittsburgh for the first time since being traded to the Panthers. Players often respond quite well in situations like these, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the veteran winger have himself a very strong game. A goal would be the cherry on top.
• The Panthers now have seven players with at least 10 points during this very young season. Tonight that should change to eight, as Sam Bennett certainly has the ability to put up a two-point night. Let’s see if this ends up coming into fruition.
• Let’s end with Bobrovsky. It may take him a little time to get comfortable after missing some action due to his injury. However, even with this, he should put up a big game. Perhaps he will remain undefeated in the process.