Panthers last played in Minnesota on December 13th 2018. I know this because I watched the game in my hospital room in Ottawa while receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant. It was to be the highlight of my day, watching the Panthers play.
They proceeded to play the game and laid an egg, losing 5-1. Not a single player, if I remember correctly, played well that night. I'm even going to say Grecs, despite being in his first NHL game. It was like the effort and will was shot out of that team. I know it was late, but right then and there I knew there was going to be no playoffs last season.
I remember being so frustrated watching the game. If Only They gave some sort of an effort, they would have done better, but they didn't. I wrote to GR after the game to tell him my story, and how disappointed I was with the Minnesota game. I asked him if he could pass that along to the team for me. I was in the hospital room in Ottawa giving my all and full effort for something way harder then playing a hockey game. I would have gave my everything to been able to play in that game. I just wanted the players to know that.
Hopefully tonight they remember that game, and give a trying effort. Another reason to give it a try tonight is the game is being broadcast on Sportsnet Nationwide in Canada, so there will be a lot of eyes on the team.
I am going to stop my Rant because it is making me emotional just thinking about this 13 months ago.