With two wins in Carolina and eight straight away wins, the Florida Panthers are reminding me more and more of a doomed team like the Canadiens in 1993.
As you read this, the Panthers are leading their run against the Hurricanes either 3-0 or 2-1, and it looks like they know they’re going to win. They don’t care about the way. A goal was disallowed in the first half of extra time. No problem, we’ll win in the fourth overtime.
Before yesterday’s game, Paul Maurice’s men had already recorded six wins in as many games over 60 minutes, five of them away. They’re nearing the Canadiens’ 1993 record of ten overtime wins and showing unwavering confidence.
Even their goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky seems to be in a special zone. He has never shown the consistency of Patrick Roy, but he has returned to the form one would expect from a two-time Vézina Trophy winner. After four rather disappointing seasons under palm trees, the ten-million keeper has been playing like a 14-million keeper since the start of the playoffs. He stars as Roy in 1993.
He helped his team recover from a 3-1 deficit against the Bruins and since then he’s been tenacious against the Leafs and the Hurricanes with 6-1 / .953 / 1.50 records, barring yesterday’s clash . Despite a few sparks here and there, he never had a reputation as a playoff keeper. There he is a candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Another comparison to 1993. We were talking about the Canadiens as a Cinderella team back then, but their 102-point streak in the regular season wasn’t trivial. This year, the Panthers qualified for the playoffs at the last minute, but let’s not forget that they won the President’s Trophy in 2021-22 with 122 points.
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The boldness of Bill Zito
The Panthers are yet to make it to the finals, but Panthers general manager Bill Zito deserves credit for their progress. He played boldly by bringing in the elements his team lacked.
At first he wasn’t afraid to replace coach Andrew Brunette, who was nominated for the Jack Adams Trophy in 2022. Paul Maurice’s experience is a positive factor.
And then there was Matthew Tkachuk’s takeover against Jonathan Huberdeau. Zito was keen to let go of his top scorer but felt he needed that kind of sandpaper player to win and Tkachuk’s lead is unquestionable.
Well, things were tougher for Huberdeau in Calgary with Darryl Sutter, but wait before you pressure the Quebecer. I’m confident he’ll bounce back after an adjustment period and the arrival of new staff, apparently led by Craig Conroy. The latter has what it takes to become an outstanding general manager.
What Dubas didn’t do
Zito got his chance by doing everything possible on a big trade that Kyle Dubas didn’t do in Toronto and ultimately cost him his job.
Dubas went all out on offense and his four big guns, but he had opportunities to make up for his weaknesses. You had to dare.
Imagine what he could have achieved by trading with Auston Matthews, for example. The Torontonians could have strengthened in front of the net and presented a more powerful, physical and combative team; In short, a real series team. We’re still looking for the great leader in Toronto.
– Interview by Gilles Moffet
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The CH is still far away
Before yesterday’s game, the Panthers were 2-0 against the Hurricanes, as was the Golden Knights against the Stars. There are two important differences, however, and the first is obvious. The Stars are hoping to catch up at home, unlike the Hurricanes, who need to win in Florida. The second is in front of the net. Despite his excellent work, Knights goaltender Adin Hill does not have a good reputation. The stars know that if they play right, they will eventually beat him. Against the real Bobrovsky, things might get more complicated for the Canes. That said, if the Golden Knights are in such a good position with an average keeper, it’s because they really do have an excellent team. It gives an idea of how far the Canadian is from the elite. By the way, congratulations to Jonathan Marchessault, who excels under pressure. I love this type of player.
Raanta or Andersen?
I wasn’t really surprised to see Antti Raanta in goal for the Hurricanes in Game 2 and last night Frederik Andersen was supposed to be the starter. It’s two evenly matched goaltenders and the Canes are used to taking turns. However, I maintain the point that if a coach is in favor of using his two goalies, he might as well make the switch early in the series and not wait until game seven like the Bruins did. On the other hand, if one performs great to win the first game, you shouldn’t come back with the other in the second game like the Minnesota Wild did against the Stars in the first round.
Quebec cheers
I would like to congratulate Patrick Roy, the Quebec Remparts and also their supporters on winning the Gilles Courteau Trophy. When 18,000 people attend a junior hockey game, it shows that Quebec is a hockey city and it sends a big signal to Gary Bettman. I hope he takes note. Participation in the Memorial Cup tournament will bring Roy back into the discussion for a possible position in the NHL. There are a few to fill.
