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The Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens are two teams that have had very different seasons so far in the National Hockey League (NHL). While the Panthers have been one of the top teams in the league, the Canadiens have struggled to find consistency and are currently sitting near the bottom of the standings.
31 MARCH 2023
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Let’s start with the Florida Panthers. The Panthers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this season, as they’ve emerged as legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference. Led by a talented group of forwards, the Panthers are an offensively dynamic team that can score in a variety of ways.
At the forefront of that group is Aleksander Barkov, the team’s captain and one of the NHL’s top centers. Barkov is a complete player, with exceptional offensive skill and a strong defensive game. Alongside him, players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Carter Verhaeghe, and Patric Hornqvist provide scoring punch and playmaking ability, while Anthony Duclair and Frank Vatrano add speed and skill to the mix.
On defense, the Panthers have a solid group of blueliners. Aaron Ekblad is the team’s top defenseman and has emerged as a Norris Trophy candidate this season, thanks to his strong offensive play and reliable defense. Behind him, players like MacKenzie Weegar and Keith Yandle provide support, while Radko Gudas brings physicality and toughness to the group.
In net, the Panthers have a strong tandem of Sergei Bobrovsky and Chris Driedger. Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, has bounced back from a tough first season in Florida and has been playing some of his best hockey in recent weeks. Driedger, meanwhile, has been a pleasant surprise for the Panthers this season, posting strong numbers as the team’s backup.
On the other side of the ice, the Montreal Canadiens have struggled to find their footing this season. Despite having a talented group of players, the Canadiens have been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, and are currently sitting near the bottom of the NHL standings.
One of the bright spots for the Canadiens has been their goaltending. Carey Price, one of the best goalies in the NHL, has been solid when healthy, and has shown flashes of his old form at times this season. Behind him, Jake Allen has provided solid support as the team’s backup.
Up front, the Canadiens have a talented group of forwards, but have struggled to score goals consistently this season. Tyler Toffoli has been a pleasant surprise, leading the team in goals and providing a much-needed scoring boost. Jonathan Drouin and Nick Suzuki have shown flashes of brilliance at times, but have struggled to find consistency.
On defense, the Canadiens have some solid pieces as well. Shea Weber is the team’s captain and a reliable veteran presence on the back end. Behind him, players like Jeff Petry and Joel Edmundson provide support, while Alexander Romanov is a promising young defenseman who’s just starting to make his mark in the NHL.
So, how do these two teams match up against each other? On paper, the Panthers have a clear edge, with a deeper forward group and a more well-rounded defensive unit. However, the Canadiens have shown that they can be a dangerous team when they’re playing at their best, and should not be taken lightly.
One area where the Canadiens could have an advantage is on special teams. Montreal’s penalty kill has been one of the best in the NHL this season, thanks in large part to Price’s strong play in net. The Panthers, on the other hand, have struggled on the penalty kill at times this season.
However, the Panthers have a strong power play of their own, so the Canadiens will need to be careful not to take too many penalties.
