If Game 1 was an accurate representation of what’s to come in this series, then buckle up because it’s going to be fun!
The Panthers played a flawless first 16 minutes of Sunday’s game. Completely neutralizing Tampa’s attack while taking the body to Lightning players early and often. It would have been tough to sustain that level of play through 60 minutes (especially against a team like TBL) and the game eventually leveled out, but those first 16 minutes were electric.
Both Bob and Vasi were stellar, turning away many quality opportunities. This series very well could come down to special teams.
What’s really encouraging is seeing Florida’s big guns making some waves already. Reinhart started off the scoring, and Barkov had a fantastic game, getting two assists while using his body and locking it down defensivley. Though very early, this is a change of pace from Barky (and others’) postseason play — where they typically disappear.
One bummer is the Cats will be without spark plug Ryan Lomberg (illness), who will be replaced by Lorentz.
Per
The Athletic, the Panthers come in at #5 on the list of teams under the most pressure to win the Cup:
”Expectations factor: 9/10. There was a point during the season when they felt like the favorites. They took a step back down the stretch, but it was a small one.
factor: 8/10. They’ve never won a Cup, and have only won so much as a round in three of their 30 seasons.
Ticking clock factor: 5/10. They’re young and reasonably well set up for the future, although the Sam Reinhart situation has to be figured out.
Special circumstances: +2. Because they’re facing the Lightning, the more successful big brother they’ve never been able to beat when it matters. Coming in as heavy favorites, a first-round loss here would be devastating.
Pressure score: 24/30. There’s still time to decide to hate them, by the way.”
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Let’s make it 2-0!
Gotta bring that Game 1 intensity…GO PANTHERS!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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