Summary:
Although the Killer B’s have been the talk of the team, the Killer Ps were what cost Florida the game in Glendale last week . After taking 8 penalties in their last match-up, can Florida calm down their game to pull off a win tonight? Will the Panthers capitalize on the momentum gained from their road trip? On to the game!
Historical Context:
The two teams met last Thursday in Arizona with the Coyotes narrowly beating the Panthers in Overtime. Florida took the lead early in the third period (thanks to an excellent deke by Brandon Pirri) but the team’s penalties decimated their chances of winning. Also, the Panthers committed 8 penalties (a season high) throughout the game including one in OT which resulted in an Oliver Ekman-Larsson sinking the game-winning goal.
What To Expect:
A more disciplined and focused Florida Panthers team seeking revenge. Luongo has been stellar all season at even strength with a whopping .964%(!!!) save percentage which puts him 4th in the NHL among starters. Look for Bjugstad to continue getting shots on net and hopefully score his first goal of the season.
Know Your Enemy:
Keith Yandle: This veteran defenseman is a treat to watch. He isn’t the flashiest player but he’s always in the right position and loves getting pucks to the net. Expect him to be dangerous on the power play.
Expected Line Combinations:
Florida Panthers:
L1: Bergenheim/Barkov/Boyes
L2: Huberdeau/Bjugstad/Upshall
L3: Fleischmann/Pirri/Jokinen
L4: Kopecky/MacKenzie/Thornton
D1: Campbell/Ekblad
D2: Mitchell/Kulikov
D3: Olsen/Gudbranson
Starting G: Luongo
Backup G: Montoya
Arizona Coyotes:
L1: Boedker/Vermette/Doan
L2: Klinkhammer/Hanzal/Erat
L3: Gagner/Hodgman/Korpikoski
L4: McMillan/Vitale/Crombeen
D1: Ekman-Larsson/Murphy
D2: Yandle/Stone
D3: Schlemko/Michalek
Starting G: Smith
Backup G: Dubnyk
Courtesy of Daily Faceoff
Song of the Game:
I’m feeling pretty good about the Panthers chances tonight.
Closing Thoughts:
If the Panthers keep their penalties down, they should be able to get two points tonight. Hopefully, they’ll also see some offensive production from their second/third lines and pull off a big win.
Patric M. can be reached for contact on Twitter.
