Florida has won seven straight road playoff games dating back to Game 2 against Boston
The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes have had a whopping 42 hours to recharge their batteries following the seven-period hockey marathon they endured during Game 1.
Florida came out on top thanks to Matthew Tkachuk’s second overtime goal of these playoffs, striking a crucial first blow for his Cats in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference Final.
Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice would be the first to tell you there was a lot for Florida to improve on following Game 1, but thanks to a gutsy effort up front and another heroic effort in goal, Florida escaped with the win.
At this point of the playoffs, the teams are so evenly matched that getting the victory is all that matters, regardless of the route taken to obtain it.
But getting a road win during a game in which you know you didn’t play your best game, that’s a tough pill for your opponent to swallow.
Carolina can be expected to come out with guns-a-blazing Saturday night for Game 2, looking to use what should be a raucous home crowd to build momentum and regain their footing in the series.
Of course, Florida has been in this position before.
It was just 16 days ago that the Panthers took the ice in Toronto for Game 2 of the second round after stealing a then-surprising victory a couple nights before in the series opener.
The Maple Leafs, the Stanley Cup favorite at the time, could not afford to drop the first two games at home.
They did, and we know how that series ended.
The Hurricanes should have a similar feeling on Saturday night. Cup favorite facing the eight-seed.
Nobody wants to go on the road down 0-2 after opening a playoff series on home ice, but especially not to a team that finished 21 points behind you in the standings.
Carolina and its crowd should be amped to the max.
The Panthers will be prepared to absorb a big punch while trying to dish out some punishment of their own.
Just don’t expect Florida to be intimidated.
LINEUP NOTES
The Panthers aren’t expected to make any changes to their lineup following their win in Game 1.
Ryan Lomberg returned from a hand injury that had kept him out since Game 4 of the first round, jumping on the fourth line with Eric Staal and Colin White.
Sergei Bobrovsky will start his 11th straight playoff game for Florida. He’s 8-2 with 2.43 goals against average and .927 save percentage during the postseason.
Bob has given up exactly two goals in each of his last six starts, emerging victorious in five of them.
LINEUP UPDATES
There was nothing new to report on the Florida side following the morning skate.
Their lineup likely remains the same.
Carolina has not set a starting goaltender, and head coach Rod Brind’Amour indicated Friday he was considering both Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta.
Forward Mackenzie MacEacern is also a possible option for Brind’Amour to dress for Game 2.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Paul Maurice on optional morning skates: ”You’re at the point now…why would you morning skate? Because you want to feel sharp, and you want to make sure your team is focused or whatever to get into that rhythm, but it’s the conference finals. I’m not worried about anyone having a casual game tonight.”
Carter Verhaeghe on Sergei Bobrovsky: “He’s the hardest worker on the team. He does everything right. Off the ice he prepares like I’ve never seen anyone prepare before, and mentally he’s so in the moment.”
Sam Reinhart on recovering from the four OT Game 1: “I think everyone is feeling it this time of year. Playing two and a half games in one night certainly doesn’t help anyone.”