I’m traveling today, but wanted to get a space out there for you guys to chat during tonight’s game when the 24-25-6 Detroit Red Wings come to town.
The Cats bounced back on Thursday night after defeating the Ottawa Senators by a score of 3-0 in a progressively chippy game. The bedlam that erupted when Tkachuk went after Hornqvist late in the third period was reminiscent of some old school hockey.
Awesome to see that passion!
Despite the win, Florida still succumbed to a couple of their persistent pitfalls as of late. Those two issues are:
1. “Cute… / Forced Over Passing
2. Power(less) Play
They need to get these above items in order as the playoffs approach. The post-season requires tightening up and keeping it simple. Constantly looking for the highlight reel pass is frustrating (weirdly selfish) and counterproductive to the offensive attack. It’s an instant momentum killer.
Failing to convert on the PP is just as frustrating, and as mentioned above, when the playoffs come along and everything tightens up, the refs typically let more things go. So if you’re fortunate enough to get a PP in a playoff game, you have to convert on the huge opportunity given to you.
I feel like the Wings typically play the Cats well, so it should be a good game. Despite being a rebuilding team, Detroit has some legit talent on the roster and the Yzerman Magic pulling the strings behind the curtain. I give them another year or two before they start becoming the Red Wings we remember.
Speaking of Yzerman, did anyone see during Thursday’s game when they pointed out that he was there? Wonder who he was scouting..?
I know we talked a bit about it in the comments of the last blog, but the Acciari rumor (swipe right on the below Instagram post) is still interesting to me. Personally, I think he’s a guy you need in the playoffs, but we’ll see. I also read that Cats told interested teams that Knight is completely off the table.
Bob gets the nod tonight. Let’s a have a good one tonight!
[Image from Florida Panthers Virtual Vault website]