The Florida Panthers are still in firm control of their Round 1 series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, having a 3-1 series lead. They almost completed the comeback in Game 4, but the Lightning scored a couple of late third-period goals to put the game to bed. It was one of the Panthers’ sloppier games of the series, so they have some adjustments to make ahead of Game 5 tonight in Sunrise, Florida.
Panthers Need to Be More Disciplined
One reason the Panthers lost by three goals on Saturday is they were taking too many penalties. The Lightning managed to capitalize on the Panthers parading to the sin bin, going 2/5 on the power play. They had the first-ranked power play in the NHL during the regular season, so giving them that many opportunities is asking for trouble.
The Panthers’ penalty woes were particularly problematic in the first period, as they took three minor penalties. There’s not much question that the Panthers are a better five-on-five team than the Lightning, but they won’t be able to gain any momentum at that game state if the Lightning are on the power play that often, especially early in the game.
Related: Lightning Start Strong to Defeat Panthers in Game 4 to Avoid Elimination
The penalties have been a bit of a problem for the Panthers in this series, too. It hadn’t come to bite them in the first three games, but it did in Game 4 when they could’ve completed the sweep of their in-state rivals. The Lightning had four power plays in Game 3 and six in Game 2. The difference in those games is the Panthers went 9/10 on the kill, but it was only a matter of time before the Lightning’s power play found the back of the net and made a difference.
We know the Panthers like to play a physical game, which can lead to some penalties. But they have to be more disciplined tonight to put the series away. The Lightning’s power play can be their great equalizer and make up for a lack of five-on-five play. If the Panthers can keep them off the man advantage, they should be in good shape.
Special Teams Need to Tighten Up
Sticking with the special teams theme, the Panthers’ special teams units let them down in their Game 4 loss. As mentioned, they gave up two power-play goals, but also allowed a shorthanded goal to Brandon Hagel in the first period.
Allowing two power-play goals and a shorthanded tally is no recipe for a victory. The Panthers’ special teams units had been solid until Game 4, so it’s not a concern at this point….
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