In what was an absolute must-win Game 3, the Panthers came through in OT when a deflected shot from TDL addition Brad Marchand fluttered past Woll to keep Florida alive in this wild Round 2 series.
And we all felt like this seeing that rubber hit the twine…
This series has definitely done irreversible damage to my cardiovascular system, as I think I’ve suffered multiple heart attacks during all three games.
Game 3 started exactly how I thought it wouldn’t. In my mind, the Cats were going to be shot out of a cannon and really take it to Toronto — especially being at home.
Instead, the opposite happened. Florida was on their heels from the opening puck drop, surrendering a goal 18 seconds in. Eventually going down 2-0 in the first.
I’ll admit it, I texted my buddies that they were done. They were going to lose Game 3 and then get swept in Game 4.
Then they fought back…and fought back again…and again, as the score changed hands multiple times.
If anyone needed proof that this Toronto team is different than previous years, they would just have to watch this series. Not only is the talent coming through, but the stubbornness to not go away is also there — this is arguably the scariest thing about them.
However, Florida has the same stubbornness. Each of these games has been decided by one goal. Neither team can get the lead and shut the opposition down from coming back.
Toronto has looked “smoother” in their game all around, while Florida has had a style that’s more rough around the edges (discombobulated at times). Despite the styles of play, neither team can pull away from the other in a decisive win.
WHAT DID THE OT WIN DO?
The OT win was huge in the obvious sense that the series is now 2-1 instead of 3-0. The Panthers have life.
It gave Florida the confidence that they can beat Toronto. It also puts a little doubt in the Leafs’ minds. They had the Cats on the ropes and couldn’t deliver the knockout punch.
Most importantly (to me) is that it awakened the Panthers. Until this win, Florida has played up and down — this was evident even during Game 3. They have looked good sometimes, and pretty bad others.
In order to get this win, they had to dig deep. They even channeled a former version of themselves: The Cardiac Cats
The win also pits the psyches of the two teams against each other. No doubt that Toronto feels a bit of pressure now…Florida must keep feeding that doubt.
TONIGHT
I fully expect a strong pushback from Toronto right off the bat. They want to quell any momentum the Panthers have gained, take a win on the road, and head home up 3-1.
The Cats have a big spot here. It doesn’t start at the opening puck drop. It has to start at the pregame coffee. Gotta be locked in.
TOR has dictated the pace of these first three games. FLA showed signs of their old selves in stretches of Game 3, where they controlled the game and drove the pace — getting the Leafs on their heels several times. Even Eddie Olyzck talked about it on numerous occasions.
This is the play we need right from the get-go, and the best way to do that is with a goal (or two) and/or a big hit(s) early. Look for Verhaeghe to pick up where he left off. What an absolute beast he was with the throwing the body around last game!
Florida has to stop playing catch-up and start making Toronto feel the pressure of clawing back into a game.
Bob looked much better, but I feel like he still needs to get to that next gear. There have been flukey goals against both teams in this series, that will happen, but there’s also been a fair amount of soft goals surrender by Bob. Need him to tighten that up for Game 4.
The defense looked better in Game 3 and needs to continue trending in that direction. There was much less evidence of guys being out of position and scrambling. They also need to keep an eye on Knies every time he’s on the ice. The guy is killing Florida. He’s a true power forward reminiscent of a past era and the Cats have to clamp down on him. Lastly…maybe it’s time to limit Jones’ TOI a bit?
Keep that fourth line churning!
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I’m (nervously) excited for Game 4…Let’s get that W!
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