Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad speaks after Florida's 3-2 loss to the Islanders on March 28. The Florida Panthers remain a team searching for answers. Florida has shown signs of breaking out of a late-season funk, but they’ve now found holding third period leads to be an issue and overall have lost six of seven following Thursday’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of the New York Islanders. Just like on Tuesday against Boston, Florida held multiple leads before ultimately coming up empty in the points department. There was an extra sense of frustration to this latest loss, however, thanks to the one-sided feeling that came from the officiating. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Whether it was called fair is something that can be debated elsewhere, but the bottom line is that of the 14 penalty minutes that were called, 12 of them were handed out to Panthers players. On that note, let’s get to the takeaways. Stronger defensive netfront presence One element of Thursday’s game that was a constant was the Islanders in and around Florida’s netminder. There were several occasions where Panthers goaltender Anthony Stolarz was being bumped, pushed or slashed. One Islanders goal was called back for goalie interference, another was reviewed but the goal stood. After the game, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurce said it’s not the officials job to keep that area under control. It’s the players job to protect their goaltender. “I don't think that that we would rely on them to control that,” Maurice said. “It happened in the Nashville game as well. You can’t look for help in that area. We have to do a better job controlling it.” Too many penalties One of the positive takeaways from Thursday’s loss was that Florida’s penalty kill was outstanding once again. The Cats’ PK went a perfect 7-for-7 against the Islanders, keeping them off the board in what was a tight game from start to finish. But there is more to it than just killing off the penalties. Florida was unable to build any real momentum during the game, and it’s a point that was made by Maurice afterward. “You can't sit in the box for 12 minutes,” Maurice said. “Our penalty kill was good, but it’s momentum and time, right? You’re burning (time), especially Barkov and Reinhart are a big part of that kill. That's a big chunk of time that they spend on there. I got no problem with the penalties. I got no problem with my team. My team was good on that part.” Not the time to celebrate It wasn’t long after the final buzzer sounded on Florida’s loss to the Islanders that they officially clinched a spot in the playoffs thanks to Detroit losing in regulation to Carolina. While yes, it’s a great accomplishment that should never be diminished, Maurice had no interest in talking about it while the Isles loss was still very fresh in his mind. “I appreciate the question, but I’m just a grumpy old man, so I’ll answer them all tomorrow, but I don’t feel like talking about good things right now,” Maurice said. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Florida Panthers clinch spot in 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-clinch-spot-in-2024-stanley-cup-playoffs] Panthers frustrated by Islanders, officiating in 3-2 defeat on home ice [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-frustrated-by-islanders-officiating-in-3-2-defeat-on-home-ice] Florida Panthers have another chance to clinch a playoff spot Thursday Night [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-have-another-chance-to-clinch-a-playoff-spot-thursday-night] Aaron Ekblad returns to Florida Panthers lineup after 7-game absence [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/aaron-ekblad-returns-to-florida-panthers-lineup-after-7-game-absence] Panthers prospect Spencer Knight records second straight shutout for Charlotte [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/panthers-prospect-knight-records-second-straight-shutout-for-charlotte] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
