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Florida Panthers Takeaways from Playoff Series After Game 3

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Following a 5-3 win in Game 3, the Florida Panthers took a 3-0 series lead. Some takeaways will be gathered from Paul Maurice’s team. The job is not finished, nevertheless. And as everybody knows, the fourth win is the toughest.

Florida Panthers Takeaways from Playoff Series After Game 3

Adversity is a Good Thing

Winning the Atlantic Division was a nice touch to end the regular season on a high note, facing Tampa Bay, however, presented a tough challenge. From the get-go, it would be a battle, and Florida took that mentality to the ice since Game 1. Whenever the tide seemed to ease, new obstacles arose. It was in Game 3 when all these difficulties came down like a snowball on the Cats. Missing star centre, Sam Bennett, a key contributor to the team’s Penalty Kill and entering the enemy lines. The Lightning’s Power Play seemed ever-threatening. The lights were brighter on the Cats, and they showed they belong in the center stage.

Not many teams face adversity come late April and May, it is indeed a privilege. 16 other franchises wish they could be under that stress. Florida took these words to heart and showcased an ultimate playoff style of play. The Panthers shut down the NHL’s best PP in their barn, Tampa went 0 for 4 on the man-advantage in a match that pushed them to the brink of elimination. The Cats had no PP attempts for themselves, so the task was even harder considering how weary many of their players were compared to Tampa’s. The Panthers knew they were facing the Lightning’s most dangerous version and managed to withstand the Bolts’ charge. Sergei Bobrovsky, as per usual, stood tall. But the main reason relies on some unsuspected heroes.

Next Man Up

Coming into this series, the depth comparison between these rosters was the main argument for those picking Florida over Tampa. So far so good for whoever made that case. The series is far from over, but one of the main takeaways for the Florida Panthers hitherto relies on their next-man-up mentality. Ryan Lomberg and Sam Bennett have missed games due to injury or illness, those are two key players for the Cats. The replacements filled in and passed with flying colors. Steven Lorentz replaced Lomberg and has brought the heat to the 4th line. He was rewarded for his hard work, scoring in Game 3. Kyle Okposo was recalled following Bennett’s injury in Game 2, and his impact was also immediate. Brandon Montour‘s game-winning goal is a result of the fourth-liners aggressive forecheck, keeping the Bolts’ tired players on the ice.

Moreover,  because of Bennett’s absence, two other players were called up on the line rotations and had big shoes to fill. Anton Lundell replaced the former Calgary Flames centre in the 2nd line and the Finnish youngster had a great game alongside Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe. He recorded a primary assist on Tkachuk’s goal. However, Lundell was not the only player with a bigger duty. Kevin Stenlund replaced Bennett in the PK and he stole the show. Literally. Stenlund was the most intense player while shorthanded and looked as a bloodhound chasing every Tampa player who came in contact with the puck. Despite missing pieces to this team, the roster showed one ability that is often only assigned to starfish, the skill to regenerate.

Florida Panthers Takeaways after Game 3: Keep Tampa on its toes

One main attribute of this Lightning team is their postseason experience. Yes, many players from the back-to-back Stanley Cups have fled, but the core remains. Tampa seems built for this stage, Florida does not trail far behind, though. And that advantage might be fading. The Panthers are the tone-setters in this series. That is clear as crystal. So far they have opened the scoring in all 3 games and have been able to score even during Tampa’s most dominating shifts. Therefore, the Lightning keep their head on a swivel, both on the ice and meeting room.

Whereas in previous encounters Andrei Vasilevskiy and Nikita Kucherov have been deciding factors, this time around the tables have turned. That is one main takeaway from this series for the Panthers, Tampa is accumulating frustrations. Vasilevskiy had an incredible outing in Game 2, yet his team fell just short in overtime. Kucherov has not been able to get going, not in 5v5 nor the Power Play. He is visibly upset and that is a sight that fascinates Paul Maurice, his staff, and every player. He cannot be underestimated, no doubt about that. If Florida commits penalties at the current pace, Kucherov is bound to score and find his groove. The Cats cannot, under no circumstance, afford to summon Tampa’s deadly PP1 unit. Grant them any space, and they will use it as a takeoff runway.

Wins in the net and board battles

It has not always been the case. The Panthers have long suffered from it in previous seasons, finally having the upper hand in front of the net is a compliment to Maurice’s scheme. It is a staple of playoff hockey, if a team can score in any given shot through deflections, that is a dangerous group. The Panthers are just that: a constant threat. They have built that style through many factors. Through their forecheck, their skilled yet clenched-teeth players. Most importantly the commitment to put themselves in shot lanes, in both zones.

The Panthers are not shy to put their bodies on the line. The stats show that, as every player registered hits during Game 1, and as in Game 3, they blocked 17 shots. In past playoffs, players such as TJ Oshie and Tyler Bertuzzi were a headache as they faced little opposition in front of the net. This time the job is not as easy for the likes of Anthony Cirelli or Brayden Point. They may have scored their share of goals because their skill is undeniable, but the sense is they are never really comfortable in a spot where they typically thrive.

A similar case occurs with Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman, the Panthers seem ready for them and have them in control. If such superstars can ever be under control. Although the Playoffs just started, many teams showed their hand. Therefore, takeaways can be collected from the Florida Panthers after taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

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