How about these Florida Panthers ! Who would have ever thought that they would have the best record in the NHL (56-15-6) enough to challenge the Colorado Avalanche for the Presidents Trophy ? They are the league leaders in team scoring (4.16 goals per game), they have the second leading scorer in the league (Jonathan Huberdeau) just 3 points back of Connor McDavid and they never lose (12 game win streak). To top that, they have an 84% winning record at home.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were likely wearing dark glasses as they slunk into the Miami arena tonight after the serious shit-kicking they took at the hands of their likely first round opponents, the Tampa Lightning. The good news for Leafs Nation was the return of Auston Mathews and that a resurgent Jack Campbell was back in goal for his 46th start.
Now I know that Coaches hate that type of first period – but the FANS love it. Back and forth, good hits, great goaltending, creative offensive plays at both ends. No wonder these are the top two goal producing squads in the NHL. Mitchell Marner opened the scoring with his 35th just 3 and a half minutes in – that seemed to lower the home crowd frenzy. Michael Bunting disappeared to the Leafs room early which meant another mix and match for Coach Keefe. He juggled in Krampf to centre the 4th line, moved Nylander to fill out the top line and so the blender went. Justin Holl benefited from an own goal with 2:40 left to make it 2 zip Leafs after one.
Sasha Barkov is one of the many reasons that Florida has had such a successful run over these past 2-3 seasons. A perennial contender for the Frank Selke Trophy as top defensive forward, he has stepped up his offensive output as well. Despite some games missed due to injury, before tonight’s puck drop he had amassed 38 goals and 86 points in just 64 games. Add that to tonight’s output (39th goal) and an assist (with Huberdeau) on Giroux’s tying goal and you’ve got yourself quite a hockey player.
With Bunting out with a suspected leg injury, the only consistent line Keefe stayed with in the third was Mathews/Marner/Nylander. Both teams looked a little “gassed” in the final stanza but fought hard to get it to overtime. “Soup” made a fabulous save early and then a couner attack by Mathews/Marner just ran out of gas. Brandon Montour converted the game winning goal much to the delight of the Miami crowd.
HOPPER NOTES: The Panthers have not lost a game in April ! …but, they’ve got Tampa tomorrow and the Bruins on Tuesday – so we shall see…watching Huberdeau work, reminds me of my long held HOH recommendation that a new NHL award, The Wayne Gretzky Trophy, should be presented each year to the player who ends the NHL season with the most assists – isn’t it about time ?…all 8 teams in the Eastern Conference will finish their season +100 points – kudos…Leafs Goalie Jack Campbell played well again tonight, but aren’t some of you just a little concerned about his fragility ? …the Panthers last real playoff run was back in 1996 – a lot of players on this year’s roster weren’t even born then…who is the better centre for Pierre Engvall and Ilya Michaev – Tavares, Kerfoot or Kampf…answers please…RIP Superstar Guy Lafluer…my little pal Ken McRae had the honor to “lace ‘em up” and share the room with this legend – lucky Dude !
Cheers – let the spring (and golf) begin !!
The NHL needs to get back to a 1 versus 8 playoff format.
It will be tough sledding for Florida, Tampa and The Leafs in the playoffs.
Whoever gets through those first two incredibly tough rounds will be deserving of a Stanley Cup.
John Tavares seems slow to me..not good..