The Florida Panthers are finally feeling some confidence as they begin their first lengthy road trip of the season.
Their first opponent on the four-game trek may not know what to make of its own play.
The inconsistent Buffalo Sabres try to bounce back from an ugly loss as they play their second matinee in as many days Sunday against the Panthers.
Florida (2-5-0) followed up its surprising Southeast Division title from last season with a convincing win over Carolina in its 2012-13 opener, but it lost its next five contests by a combined 23-5.
A huge third-period surge finally stopped the bleeding Thursday. Trailing midway through the last 20 minutes against Winnipeg, the Panthers scored four unanswered goals to beat the Jets 6-3, with Peter Mueller and Alex Kovalev posting power-play tallies to put the team ahead.
"We did some good things out there previous games and we knew we were moving in the right direction and if we were just going to keep pushing eventually it was going to turn around," Kovalev said.
The Sabres (3-4-1) also scored four straight goals in the third period to win 7-4 at Boston on Thursday, but they certainly didn't have any residual momentum Saturday in Montreal. They were outshot 15-1 in the first period, eventually falling behind 4-0 in the second en route to a 6-1 defeat.
Ryan Miller allowed four goals for the third straight game and was removed after 40 minutes.
"We didn't have our 'A' game right off the bat. We started in the second but it was too late," coach Lindy Ruff said. "It's a collective effort. You can't point fingers at anybody."
Plenty of people are pointing fingers at Thomas Vanek for positive reasons. He scored again Saturday - his first short-handed goal since 2008 - to give him seven goals along with nine assists in seven games.
His point total equals Florida's goal total through seven contests.
The Panthers are hoping their improved play in their most recent game combined with a weeklong trip will help them find a groove, although they have lost each of their three road games by at least three goals. They are the NHL's only team still without any points on the road.
"We looked at this trip as a big part of our season. That we can get out and start establishing that cohesiveness that's really important," coach Kevin Dineen told his team's official website. "We've had a few snapshot trips here and there but for the most part this is one where you actually get out and spend some time on the road. I think it's good timing for it."
Kris Versteeg's return to the scoresheet couldn't have come soon enough. The Panthers' leader in points per game last season, Versteeg had a goal and an assist Thursday in his second game after missing the first five contests with a groin injury.
Florida is still dealing with some injury problems. Captain Ed Jovanovski (knee) won't be on this trip, while Scottie Upshall (ankle) left Thursday's game after getting hurt in a fight and could miss several weeks.
Center Stephen Weiss (groin) has been out for the last four games, but he returned to the top line in practice Friday.
PANTHERS @ SABRES
Started by SammyR, Feb 03 2013 01:48 PM
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51 replies to this topic
#4
moose-1
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 02:42 PM
From now on I have to listen to the games on the Panthers websites.
As Center Ice, free, offer is over. It was fun while it lasted.
I hope that they can come out with a little fire in their eyes.
As Center Ice, free, offer is over. It was fun while it lasted.
I hope that they can come out with a little fire in their eyes.
#5
GermanPanther
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 03:08 PM
yes it will be hard, special our defens must be in the Game every second. I agree with moose this will be a hard game and Buffalo will bounce back from yesterday.
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#6
moose-1
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 03:18 PM
Geeeeeee, not even 3 minutes into the game and the Panthers are dowm
already. Come on Jose Theodore!!! You have to be better then this!!!
Might consider bring up Markstrom and starting him in goal. It can't
be any worse.
already. Come on Jose Theodore!!! You have to be better then this!!!
Might consider bring up Markstrom and starting him in goal. It can't
be any worse.
#8
GermanPanther
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 03:30 PM
But what a shot from matthias, that was really fast. So bad he was looking last season. So far he really look that he is in full season mode.
A really good 1:1
A really good 1:1
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#10
zmike1981z
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 03:33 PM
Strachan gets in a fight, almost scores a goal after having a nice drop pass and goes to the net, take notes Panthers forwards.
Campbell skates in circles for the buffalo goal instead of taking a body, the little girl might break her nail.
This is much better to watc, its much more balanced and the panthers dont look useless.
When Jovo comes back, which dman goes away? Personally I think they should play with 7 due to the fact we are weak up front anyways. Why give Parros playing time when you can have a back up dman incase of penalties or an in game injury.
Let's go panthers, back to push ups.
Campbell skates in circles for the buffalo goal instead of taking a body, the little girl might break her nail.
This is much better to watc, its much more balanced and the panthers dont look useless.
When Jovo comes back, which dman goes away? Personally I think they should play with 7 due to the fact we are weak up front anyways. Why give Parros playing time when you can have a back up dman incase of penalties or an in game injury.
Let's go panthers, back to push ups.
#13
GermanPanther
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 03:51 PM
COME ON PANTHERTS!!!!!!!!Stop with the stupid turnover.
You are better then that, at least I hope you are.
This is sicking.
We have some work to do again, down 2-1 now.
What Dineen will be really anger is. That this 2 goal against us, come clear from mis plays. And this Turn overs come from situation you should be able to controll the puck. So we should take controll over this, end win the Match by playing 2 good periods.
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#14
moose-1
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 04:07 PM
I agree with you 100%. But the big question is will they. So far this year theyWhat Dineen will be really anger is. That this 2 goal against us, come clear from mis plays. And this Turn overs come from situation you should be able to controll the puck. So we should take controll over this, end win the Match by playing 2 good periods.
can't. If you watch other games in the NHL, the other teams seem to have the
passing and puck control under control now. That's what is hard to watch. I know
we have injuries and all, but the ones that are playing now should be good enough
to have ironed this out by now.
I love this team, but we have to many 2nd liners and 3rd liner on this team.
Our 1st line has to get going sooner then later.
#16
moose-1
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Posted 03 February 2013 - 04:15 PM
Crap!!!
Panthers down 3-1 now.
GEE, the Sabres #1 line has all 3 goals.
Where in the world is our #1 line???
Game just might be over now. We show no sign of being able to
come back and score.
Panthers down 3-1 now.
GEE, the Sabres #1 line has all 3 goals.
Where in the world is our #1 line???
Game just might be over now. We show no sign of being able to
come back and score.
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