With all the momentum on the Rangers' side heading into Game 4, the Panthers should be panicking.
Here's the big mistake the Panthers are making and which will further lead to their downfall tonight in Sunrise.
The Cats' high command goes ga-ga over the fact that their skaters unleashed so many more shots than the Rangers in Game 3, which New York won in overtime.
Or, as Florida coach Paul Maurice says – with tongue well-ensconced in cheek – "We're not gonna attempt fewer shots."
But as one scout pointed out to me: "It's not the 'quantity' of shots but 'quality' that counts most."
The last shot of the game had the most quality and that's why the Rangers are only two wins away from feeding the Panthers their catnip.
More importantly, I'm here to guarantee that the Rangers Big Three of Breadman Panarin, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad will arise from their slumber – Anyone for No-Doz, lads? – and blitz their Blueshirts to victory.
Not that The Maven is trying to be a wise guy – nobody likes a wiseguy nor a smart aleck – but I believe it will be impossible for coach Maurice's bunch to continue to muzzle those menacing men; not to mention hot Barclay Goodrow.
That said; I'm not one to overlook the foes. As Maurice semi-humorously points out: "Every Conference Final in history has been 2-1!"
With their backs about five feet from the wall, the home team has been working on their flaws. "We did what we had to do to clean up small things," Maurice adds.
Maven Suggestion: Better you clean up the big things like Sergei Bobrovsky being out goaled by Igor Shesterkin.
This much is certain, Florida boasts a resilient team with a history of comebacks. As my man in Sunrise, Big Al Greenberg adds:
"The Panthers don't get rattled. They stick to Maurice's system that wears down the opposition. Remember, they lost their first playoff game to Boston and then came back like Gangbusters!"
Fair enough. I still say Rangers win tonight and then wrap up the series in Fun City!