Florida Panthers playing: A winning playoff style, states CBS News Miami’s Steve Goldstein

FORT LAUDERDALE — The Panthers are closing out 2023 in design and style. 

Consecutive wins more than Stanley Cup winner Vegas and perennial electrical power Tampa Bay, were extraordinary whole workforce initiatives for 60 minutes. 

The Panthers head into the weekend with again-to-back again residence online games versus the Rangers and Canadiens just before the calender turns to 2024.

Defense clamps down

The Panthers shut down both of those the Golden Knights and Lightning for most of the past six durations, top to two wins. With Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour again and the defense pairs constant, the blue line is participating in effectively. Increase in the forwards continuing to do their work defensively, and this workforce continues to be a person of the stnigiest in the NHL.

Reinhart ripping it up

Sam Reinhart has put up 33 and 31 targets in his two seasons with the Panthers, the two finest seasons of his occupation. He’s taken it to an additional level this year. 

Previously with 21 plans, his positioning all-around the net and his fingers are elite. Reinhart is also executing it at the defensive stop. His off the charts hockey IQ compliments Aleksander Barkov. The duo is dominant in all zones and winger Evan Rodrigues is doing work very well with them. The line dominated in the gain in Tampa.

Bob climbs

Sergei Bobrovsky had a big match in Tampa, the 376th earn of his job. He is now 18th on the NHL all-time goalie wins record. Keep in thoughts that only 13 goaltenders in background have gained 400 games. The assurance Bobrovsky attained during very last season’s playoff operate has carried about.

Youthful finns

Anton Lundell is back again in the lineup soon after lacking time with ailment. Mixed with fellow countryman Eetu Luostarinen, the youthful duo has been productive defensively and paying out a fantastic total of time in the offensive zone. 

Luostarinen is actively playing a weighty activity, so significantly so that late in video games with the direct, coach Paul Maurice usually places him out with Reinhart and Barkov.

Maurice milestone

Although he claims it is really just a amount and no significant deal, Maurice is a person of only 3 coaches in league history to arrive at 1,800 online games. Which is 26 several years as an NHL head mentor. 

Maurice has been in a position to regulate to the modifications in the activity, design of enjoy, and players attitdues as the entire world is constantly switching. But he did say that 1 issue is consistent. Groups and players will have to do the required function to gain. That will generally be there. Maurice added that in spite of all of his coaching expertise, he feels he is even now finding out himself. Outstanding.