Tuesday, February 19, 2019
A Hole Too Deep?
The Florida
Panthers have seen the script before. It fact, it was last season.
They had a horrible start to the season, recovered nicely, and then
went on a tear to finish one point out of the playoffs. One little
point! Think of all those times, during the season when you were that
close to winning: hitting goal
posts, taking foolish penalties with little time left in a game,
missing assignments, poor line changes......
The
list is a long one. But it only takes one of those situations to
spell disaster, and feel the abrupt halt to a season.
Last
season, the Panthers went 24-8-2 in its last 34 games, only to find
themselves out of the playoffs. They received 50 points in that
stretch. But the hole they had dug prior to that stretch was just too
deep. After 48 games this season, they were 20-20-8, in other words
at 50%. As of today, they have won 23 games, but they have lost 23
games, and are just at the .500 mark to make the playoffs, even as a
wild card team. They have less than 30 games to play. Crunch time.
They
beat the Penguins a week ago, but then lost to Tampa Bay on Sunday
night. It is never a good idea to get involved in a shootout with the
Lightning. Kucherov, Stamkos, Brayden Point and company never seem to
let up, and always have plenty left in the tank at the end of the
third period. With hot goaltending supplied recently by Louis
Domingue, they will be tough in the playoffs. They have had the
Panthers' number in the four times they have face d each other this
year.
The
Panthers are certainly pleased with the pickup of Hoffman from the
Senators this year. His offensive numbers are out standing, leading
the team. But that is only part of the game, as he also has one of
the worst plus/minus on the team. Roberto Luongo, now a sure “lock”
for the Hall of Fame, has been outstanding on many occasions. In
relief, James Reimer has done the job. But both have lost exactly the
same number of games as they have won, and that just won't cut it.
The question remains whether or not the team can make the surge to
overcome several teams to get to the post season. The Sabres, the
Hurricanes, the Rangers, the Penguins and the Flyers are in the same
boat.
Miguel Angel Jimenezx
Later
on this week, I will be concentrating on golf. The PGA Champions Tour
heads to Naples, Florida, for the annual Chubb Classic Tournament.
Last weekend, Bernhard Langer picked up $ 255 000 when he won in Boca
Raton. He moved ahead of Hale Irwin for tour career cash with more
than $ 27 000 000 to his credit. Langer always plays well in South
West Florida, winning several times at Twin Eagles. This year's
tournament takes place at the Classics Country Club, at the Lely
Resort. Other notables expected to play include: Marco Dawson, Fred
Couples, Colin Montgomerie, David Toms, and John Daly. Gary Nicklaus,
the son of Jack Nicklaus, finished in 51st
position. Jack's son? Am I really that old?
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles' Schadrac Casimir
College
basketball fans are following the exploits of Canadian freshman RJ
Barrett, who plays for Duke. Duke is currently ranked in the number
two position in college hoops, and should do well when March Madness
prevails. Barrett's father represented Canada several times in
international competition. The other big gun for Duke is Zion
Williamson, highly touted to be the first overall draft pick whenever
he decides to turn pro.
Only
two weeks until Spring Training! Gotta love the sports world!!
James
Hurst
February
11, 2019.
# posted by James Hurst @ 9:46 AM 
