Series Talk: Round 1 Discussion - Lightning at Panthers (4-1 Panthers Win)

[BabyBennettov]

Me and my boys call him "The Mouth"

My girl and I call him "The Lips". True story. lol

 

[Gentle Man]

If anyone asks for an explanation on why Barkov is always considered underrated when he is rated or whatever the meme is

Direct them to this video starting at the 25 minute mark lmao

"Barkov is becoming one of the best players in the league"

Oh? Becoming you say? Is he an up and coming 21 year old or what?

 

[pb1300]

I think a few of you are underestimating Tampa.

They have the better PP (1st vs 7th)

They have a better G/GP than us too (5th vs 11th)

And their PK is virtually on par with ours as well. (5th vs 6th, us)

The one area we have them beat is GA/GP, and by a massive margin too (1st vs 22nd)

However, all it takes is for Vasi to find his game, and that gap isn't so big anymore. That's probably what worries me the most. Vasi hasn't been up to his standard since last postseason, but he has an even more lengthy track record of elite play.

And then you combine that with our declining offense (specifically pp) the last month or two, and it's a recipe for getting upset.

And before anyone comes at me with "regular season stats don't matter come playoff time". Well, to a point. But it's worth mentioning Tampa has been playing meaningful hockey for the vast majority of the season having to fight for their PO spot. So I think their regular season stats are a good indicator of what to expect from them.

Meanwhile, for whatever reason we clearly haven't been as good for the past few months. So our overall regular season stats doesnt paint the whole picture of how we've been playing recently.

So yeah, this matchup has me pretty worried. I think it will be hard fought series, and very entertaining.

On an unrelated note. Been making a series of polls for every team's MVP, and finally did us, If yall wanna vote. Would love to hear your thoughts on your pick if you do. On that thread though, so we dont derail this one.

2023-24 Florida Panthers Regular Season MVP

At least one great candidate in each position, so this should be interesting. The main ones imo... Aleksander Barkov -24th in points leaguewide -21st in PPG leaguewide -40th in EVP leaguewide -5th in +/- leaguewide -24th in takeaways leaguewide -42nd in ATOI for forwards Sam Reinhart -12th...

forums.hfboards.com

This isnt the Panthers of years past, nor is it the Lightning of years past.

We are the better team.

We are the deeper team.

We are just as well coached as the Lightning are. This is not Brunette going against Cooper.

This is not a run and gun team that was playing the Lightning the previous 2 times, with Q and Brunette.

This team is one of the top 2 defensive teams in the league. This was evident in the first game. They took away everything the Bolts were trying to do. They stood them up at the blueline, and prevented the Kucherov Point combo from doing anything.

This team is about defense more now, than it was when Maurice was brought in. Its quite evident the difference in the team from the first couple of series against the Bolts.

They are also driven, and goal oriented. The run last year was the best thing that could have happened. They know what it takes to get it done in the playoffs, and its an advantage to them this playoffs.

They know the lethal PP that the Bolts have. Im sure it was brought plenty through practices and meetings. They were disciplined during the first game, and Im sure they will try their best to stay that way against them.

And yes, they do have Vasi, but we have Bob, who has been amazing for us for some time now.

 

[pb1300]

Kuli isnt used to what the arena sounds or looks like now.

 

[Ratsreign]

This isnt the Panthers of years past, nor is it the Lightning of years past.

We are the better team.

We are the deeper team.

We are just as well coached as the Lightning are. This is not Brunette going against Cooper.

This is not a run and gun team that was playing the Lightning the previous 2 times, with Q and Brunette.

This team is one of the top 2 defensive teams in the league. This was evident in the first game. They took away everything the Bolts were trying to do. They stood them up at the blueline, and prevented the Kucherov Point combo from doing anything.

This team is about defense more now, than it was when Maurice was brought in. Its quite evident the difference in the team from the first couple of series against the Bolts.

They are also driven, and goal oriented. The run last year was the best thing that could have happened. They know what it takes to get it done in the playoffs, and its an advantage to them this playoffs.

They know the lethal PP that the Bolts have. Im sure it was brought plenty through practices and meetings. They were disciplined during the first game, and Im sure they will try their best to stay that way against them.

And yes, they do have Vasi, but we have Bob, who has been amazing for us for some time now.

There were a few instances yesterday where they totally eased off in situations where in the regular season they would’ve ramped it up.

 

[pb1300]

There were a few instances yesterday where they totally eased off in situations where in the regular season they would’ve ramped it up.

That shows a well coached team, and players that understand the situation.

They can run and gun with the Bolts if they wanted to, but that gives the Bolts a better chance to beat us. 5 on 5 the Panthers are a top team in the league, and the Bolts cant beat us 4 out of 7 games if we keep it that way for the most part.

 

[Panteras]

Discipline is a sign of maturity. We’re benefiting from last year’s deep run and previous playoff disappointments. Hopefully it all comes together this year and we finally win it on our third SC finals appearance.

 

[Great8Cam]

Why is Evan Cormier on emergency loan to the big club?

 

[Gentle Man]

I think the key to our run is going to that Barkov Forsling combo.

They are lights out when on the ice.

There's a strong argument about having the best Dman on the ice going through our bracket

This series (yes Forsling is better than Hedman right now)

Over McAvoy or Lol Reilly

Over Slavin or Fox (overall, fox is better offensively)

And over anyone Vegas has

Forsling has been that good defensively this year. I'm here for the legendary god run of Duncan Forsling







I apologize if he has an all time chitter game tomorrow lmao

 

[I am not exposed]

I think the key to our run is going to that Barkov Forsling combo.

They are lights out when on the ice.

There's a strong argument about having the best Dman on the ice going through our bracket

This series (yes Forsling is better than Hedman right now)

Over McAvoy or Lol Reilly

Over Slavin or Fox (overall, fox is better offensively)

And over anyone Vegas has

Forsling has been that good defensively this year. I'm here for the legendary god run of Duncan Forsling







I apologize if he has an all time chitter game tomorrow lmao

Hedman hasn't even been the best Tampa D for the last couple of years. Still good, but living off his past reputation at this point.

 

[Chaos2k7]

Hedman hasn't even been the best Tampa D for the last couple of years. Still good, but living off his past reputation at this point.

Luckily Sergachev is out, or will be back quite diminished.

 

[violaswallet]

Why is Evan Cormier on emergency loan to the big club?

He's our number 3. We don't want to possibly hurt Charlotte unless there is an injury. No chance Cormier plays barring sudden injury before puck drop and Cormer becomes back up

 

[KW]

He's our number 3. We don't want to possibly hurt Charlotte unless there is an injury. No chance Cormier plays barring sudden injury before puck drop and Cormer becomes back up

“Barring sudden injury” …. Say, doesn’t PoMo have a pretty steep staircase at his house?

 

[Chaos2k7]

He's our number 3. We don't want to possibly hurt Charlotte unless there is an injury. No chance Cormier plays barring sudden injury before puck drop and Cormer becomes back up

Pretty sure he was up with us last year as a Black Ace no?

 

[Jean Luc Discard]

Hedman hasn't even been the best Tampa D for the last couple of years. Still good, but living off his past reputation at this point.

Hedman's 5vs5 defensive numbers are bottom tier but he's still very good offensively. The Dolts' core is effectively past their prime and they just don't have the depth pieces anymore to complement their best players... I don't think they'll be able to keep up with the Panthers.

 

[Bunch of Jurcos]

Hey Panthers! You guys are doing a great job of neutralizing the Lightning. Knowing how good their power play is it makes your defense even more impressive. Keep up the good work and get at least one out of two in Tampa!

 

[Idiot Stick]

Hey Panthers! You guys are doing a great job of neutralizing the Lightning. Knowing how good their power play is it makes your defense even more impressive. Keep up the good work and get at least one out of two in Tampa!

4-2 series loss confirmed

 

[PSLguy]

Sweep time!

 

[WaitingForThatCab]

Sweep time!

Don't jinx this, wtf

 

[Idiot Stick]

Don't jinx this, wtf

reverse sweep booked into the timeline
Kucherov gets 18 goals for 18million

 

[austropanther]

reverse sweep booked into the timeline
Kucherov gets 18 goals for 18million

This was last game, 41 goals in 2 PO games, Stamkos beat him to it