Crossing The NHL’s Atlantic Division: Week 19

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Panthers

By Rogerio Istiraneopulos of The Rat Trick

For those who don’t follow the Florida Panthers, it is very easy to look at the standings and say, “the Panthers are a mediocre team.” It is very hard for us to convince people that the Panthers are actually a pretty good team. It seems as if this team only displays their potential when they are in desperation mode. The majority of their goals have come in the third period mainly due to the fact the players only show up in the third period.

Last night hockey fans got a feel for what it is like when this team shows up to play collectively for 60 minutes. The Panthers outshot the hottest team currently in the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs, 48-21. After a dominant effort and very few mistakes, the Cats won 4-1. As this team tackles on the “third period” of the season, Panthers fans hope that the desperation that is seen on the ice during the final period of games is also seen in this stretch of the season. Cats fans know this team has potential. Hopefully the potential meets reality during these last months.