After a stellar B2B this weekend defeating the defending Cup champs and defending finalist, the Panthers take on the near basement dwelling Maple Leafs in their last game before the All-Star break.
Will Pirri make a return to the lineup?
I could see him swapping out with Knight. Important not to keep a player scratched for too many games in a row, and GG is pretty good to follow this rule of thumb. I'm sure Pirri has gotten the message he has to play better and is itching to get back in the lineup. What better game than against the Leafs, who are near the bottom of the East. Pirri also has preformed well against them in the past (4 GP, 5 G, 1 A). Plus if he plays well he can go into the break with some confidence under his belt.
I feel like Knight's game has taken a small step back in recent games, and could use a look at the teams game play from the press box overhead. Thornton has been playing well for quite a while now, and we can always use his toughness in the lineup, especially when the Leafs have some guys who can throw 'em.
Pirri - MacK - Thornton
Will Montoya get the start before the break?
With Luo just playing both tough games of a B2B, I'd think he's pretty worn down. He is in the All-Star game, so he won't get the pleasure of a total physical and mental rest for the week like most of his teammates.
If Montoya doesn't play Tues., than I don't foresee him playing until the second game of a B2B @ BUF Feb. 9th.
If he doesn't play again until BUF, than he would have three weeks off, which is a little too much rest IMO. He's been playing well this season despite a rare off game vs EDM last time out.
If I were GG, like Pirri, I'd get Montoya back in the lineup to give him an opportunity to go into the break on a high. Any extra rest for Luo is a bonus as well.
Will Pirri make a return to the lineup?
I could see him swapping out with Knight. Important not to keep a player scratched for too many games in a row, and GG is pretty good to follow this rule of thumb. I'm sure Pirri has gotten the message he has to play better and is itching to get back in the lineup. What better game than against the Leafs, who are near the bottom of the East. Pirri also has preformed well against them in the past (4 GP, 5 G, 1 A). Plus if he plays well he can go into the break with some confidence under his belt.
I feel like Knight's game has taken a small step back in recent games, and could use a look at the teams game play from the press box overhead. Thornton has been playing well for quite a while now, and we can always use his toughness in the lineup, especially when the Leafs have some guys who can throw 'em.
Pirri - MacK - Thornton
Will Montoya get the start before the break?
With Luo just playing both tough games of a B2B, I'd think he's pretty worn down. He is in the All-Star game, so he won't get the pleasure of a total physical and mental rest for the week like most of his teammates.
If Montoya doesn't play Tues., than I don't foresee him playing until the second game of a B2B @ BUF Feb. 9th.
If he doesn't play again until BUF, than he would have three weeks off, which is a little too much rest IMO. He's been playing well this season despite a rare off game vs EDM last time out.
If I were GG, like Pirri, I'd get Montoya back in the lineup to give him an opportunity to go into the break on a high. Any extra rest for Luo is a bonus as well.
Althought the weather in SW Ontario hasn't been too ad this winter so far, barely any snow yet this year. 0C out today, calling for rain this week.
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