The Florida Panthers would travel to Anaheim to play the Ducks in their first meeting of the year. There would be goals, saves and a strong willed Fredrick Anderson. The Panthers would blow a lead late in the 3rd period and eventually be stunned in the shootout. Continue reading RatCap: Fredrik Anderson Stones Florida Panthers In 3-2 Shootout Loss
After their three game mini road trip, the Florida Panthers were back home to take on the Colorado Avalanche. The special team’s seemed to be ever so special for the Panthers, as they would score three power-play goals and one shorthanded goal to defeat the Avalanche 4-1. The win brings Florida’s record to a solid 5-3-1 (11 points) and comes at a good time, as the Boston Bruins (9 points) will be marching into Sunrise on Friday after a 6-0 shutout of the Arizona Coyotes. While early in the season, the game will serve as a hypothetical four-point game for the winner of that game so it will be pivotal that the Panthers come away with the win to put some distance between both teams in the standings.
Continue reading RatCap: Florida Panthers Special Teams Dominate In Win Over Colorado Avalanche
After being outplayed and outmatched their previous game in Chicago, the Florida Panthers seemed to play with a chip on their shoulders. The team would also be without first line center Aleksander Barkov due to a wrist injury suffered Thursday night during the Chicago Blackhawks game. To add some more intrigue to the match, Florida coach Gerard Gallant would tab backup goalie Al Montoya as the Panthers starter in net. After a delay of game penalty drawn by Alex Petrovic, the Stars would capitalize on the ensuing power play and score the first goal of the game. For a brief moment, it seemed as though the Panthers and fans watching at home would be in for a long night. However, the Panthers would step up their intensity and score the next four goals of the game. Newly formed first line of Huberdeau, Bjugstad, and Jagr would connect for 2 goals and a total of 6 points in contest. Overall, a very good game played by the Panthers.
Continue reading RatCap: Florida Panthers Cool Off Red Hot Dallas Stars 6-2
After suffering a shutout loss the night before against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Florida Panthers once again found their scoring touch. After scoring 2:01 into the game against the Hurricanes, it would not be until late into the third period before the Cats would light the lamp again, courtesy of Connor Brickley. The rookie once again played a physical game throughout and was awarded for his efforts with his first career NHL goal, which also ended up being the game winner. Earlier in the game, Brickley had scored a beautiful goal, but had it called back as the referee had blown the play dead during a delayed penalty call against the Hurricanes. Overall, the Panthers played a very good game that saw a lot of forechecking and cycling in the opponents corners.
After what seemed like an eternity, the Florida Panthers 2015-2016 season officially started Saturday night for their home opener. The Philadelphia Flyers were in town after their season opening loss to the Tampa Bay Lighting on Thursday. The Panthers had 6 days to rest, strategize and get the kinks out before tonight’s home opener. The days off paid in dividends early as the Cats jumped out to a 4-0 lead with less than seven minutes into the game. Vincent Trocheck would have a night to remember as he scored the Panthers first goal of the season and added three assists. Newly acquired forward Reilly Smith also would have a night not to forget as his debut with the Panthers led to him scoring two power play goals.
The Florida Panthers were back at again on Sunday night taking on the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Dallas would control most of the play through the second half of the game but the resilient Panthers would find a way to squeeze out a win. Connor Brickley would once again light the lamp in what would be the game winner.
Continue reading Preseason 2015: Panthers Overcome Stars Once Again In 4-2 Victory
On Friday night, a young Panthers preseason squad took on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a losing effort. What was expected out of Tampa’s top line and players is what occurred with a three goal outburst in the second period that sealed the Panthers faith. Many of the remaining, young Panthers defensemen got their chance to line up against some of the most explosive players in the league. However, it seemed as though the Panthers could not sustain any offensive pressure for long periods of time and had a few defensive laps that lead to breakaways, odd man opportunities and eventually goals.
Continue reading Preseason 2015: Lackluster Panthers Fall To Lightning 4-1
On Tuesday night, the Florida Panthers battled the Dallas Stars in what was the Panthers preseason home opener. Fans in attendance at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, were treated with observing players of the present and the “future” for both teams. Along with the skill on the ice, home fans were ecstatic about the outcome which saw Jonathan Huberdeau score two goals and the Panthers defeat the Stars by a score of 3-2.
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