Three takeaways: Newly acquired Panthers shine, chemistry growing on third defensive pairing
Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)The Florida Panthers are playing some excellent hockey right now despite working several new players into the lineup.
On Saturday night in Sunrise, a pair of new Panthers made their respective debuts as the team skated to their fifth straight victory, a 4-0 shutout of the Buffalo Sabres.
The victory capped off a perfect five-game homestand for the Cats as they’ll now head on the road for what should be a challenging extended trip.
There was a lot to like about Saturday’s win, but we’ve narrowed it down for you.
Let’s get to the takeaways:
STRONG START AND FINISH
As has been the case in many of Florida’s better games this season, the Cats came at the Sabres in waves after the opening puck drop.
The consistent aggression and puck control displayed by the Panthers has made things incredibly frustrating for their opponents, and in their past two games it’s felt like they’ve taken things up another notch completely.
Combine that with playing some excellent shutdown hockey during the third period and the results speak for themselves.
“I liked our first (period) because, I know you would look at the standings and say, ‘Hey, this should be easy,’ but there's nothing easy about that game for our team,” said Maurice. “They were really good in the first period, and then after the first shift of the third, I liked our third the best. I thought that's when we got to be really disciplined with the puck decisions, and I was pleased with that.”
NEW GUYS SHINE
A pair of new Panthers certainly appeared to enjoy their first game as part of the franchise.
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek made 21 saves while earning his first shutout of the season, including two high danger shots sent his way by Buffalo.
Forward Nico Sturm may have only played 10:49 but it felt like he was on the ice for much more than that.
He was on the ice during Florida’s penalty kill, which went a perfect two-for-two and didn’t allow a single shot on goal.
Both players were acquired from the San Jose Sharks, the NHL’s worst team this season, so to say they each have a unique appreciation for their new situation would be an understatement.
“Age has something to do with it,” Maurice said. “Because if you spend enough time in your career, you learn to value the opportunity, because they're hard to come by, to play on a good team that has a chance. And the older they get, the more they appreciate that.”
BOTTOM PAIRING CHEMISTRY GROWING
One of the unexpected positives that has come from Florida’s lineup undergoing some changes over the past few days has been the team’s new third defensive pairing.
After the acquisition of Seth Jones, Maurice moved Dmitry Kulikov to a pairing with Nate Schmidt.
It’s only been a couple games but the two have played off one other quite well, giving Florida three reliable defensive pairings that can be thrown on the ice in any situation.
“(Schmidt) and Kuli have something going on together,” said Maurice. “Chemistry does matter. I think our sets of D now…I think Jones, he's getting more and more comfortable each game, and Schmitty and Kuli got something going on. They like playing with each other. They play hard together. They play for each other.”
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