Clemmensen, Panthers stun fans and Bruins alike with 1-0 victory
by Donny Rivette on Apr 1, 2010 10:51 PM EDT
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First off: huge props to Scott Clemmensen and the entire Florida lineup - especially the defense - on a terrific road victory against a rather desperate Bruins squad. No need for Boston to fear a loss in the standings, however, as the equally pathetic Flyers turned in a lame-duck effort against the Islanders. Keith Ballard's seventh of the season launched the only puck to find the back of any net, allowing for Clemmer's efforts to stand tall.
So other than hitting the prized 74 point plateau, where does this leave the Cats? More after the jump...
In one of those bizarre NHL-Only twists, the three stars of the game were Clemmer (duh), Dennis Wideman (0 points, 2 sog, even), and Patrice Bergeron (0 points, 3 sog, -1). Neither Ballard's game-winning goal (+1), nor assists from Jason Garrison and Cory Stillman were worthy enough to garner recognition. Must make perfect sense somewhere; evidently scoring isn't everything. If only that were indeed the league's policy throughout the year.
In a nutshell, the Panthers looked phenomenal this evening; many nights throughout the season it's hard to distinguish the Cats playing well versus their opposition not showing up, but it was all Florida tonight. Coach Pete had 'em focused during a tough period of pain and doubt, and his guidance paid dividends.
Jeff Taffe and Dmitry Kulikov led Florida in SOG with three apiece. Yeah, read that again.
In the all-important Trade Deadline Deathmatch, Byron Bitz (DNP - injury) topped Mr. Second-Rounder Dennis Seidenberg (-1, 0 shots). But we still love him. A lot. Really.
So in the end, Clemmer stopped 36 while Tuukka Rask - major when necessary, though lacking sorely in support - put the halt on 19.
For those firmly planted in the Lottery Camp, there was some positive news: Toronto doubled up on Buffalo, Carolina gained a point in Ottawa after blowing a lead with nine seconds remaining in regulation (thereby continuing their longstanding tradition of doing no favors for Whalers faithful), and the aforementioned Islanders worked a freaking miracle on Philadelphia.
Next up: Da Rangahs on Saturday.
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What game were you watching?
We definitely were not watching the same game. The panthers were severely outplayed. The defense was incredibly sloppy and the Bruins had golden chances all night. Clemmensen bailed them out with a very solid showing.
I’m extremely disappointed with the author. By no means did the Panthers look phenomenal.
With all respect, have you watched many Panthers games this year?
I’m the author, I do sincerely appreciate the response, yet stick by what I wrote; the Cats were a far improved and simply “better” club tonight over what we’ve seen in the past two weeks.
I didn’t call them perfect, only worlds ahead of recent efforts.
by Donny Rivette on Apr 1, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
A clarification: “Phenomenal” means something entirely different in South Florida. Ten years out of the postseason and all…
by Donny Rivette on Apr 1, 2010 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
The Bruins definitely controlled the play, but the Panthers did a great job of limiting the number quality chances. They blocked 32 shots!!! Sure, Clemmensen made 36 stops, but most of those shots were right at him.
I’m shocked that Ballard didn’t get at least the 3rd Star (GWG and 6 blocked shots).
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Apr 2, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed completely, SCOC. Nice call on the blocked shots.
by Donny Rivette on Apr 2, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
relax 123…take a look at the game the Panthers played on Wednesday night in Buffalo and then the one they played tonight in Boston. AMAZING improvement, and for us ‘lowly’ Panther fans, it’s all we have, which isn’t much. So relax.
Peninsula Is Mightier:Your SB Nation Miami Heat Blog Community
"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino
Coulda been a big 0 pts in the column tonight with the Isles and Leafs winning, and CAR getting a point. Thanks for nothing, Boston…
As far as the game being “all Florida tonight”… I’m not sure about that one either, but whatev… 36-20 SOG in favor of the B’s, I know at one point in the 2nd period the scoring chances were 20-10 B’s… Without question they played better than they have the past couple weeks, but I’d hardly call it a well-deserved 2 points. Life goes on.
My point is that some of the blame for this does indeed fall in Boston’s lap. They made the Cats look good in stretches.
by Donny Rivette on Apr 1, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey…at least the Islanders and Leafs all won as well. The race for 14th/15th is still on!
After the game I was actually a little upset because of the win (I know how terrible that sounds), but you know what…good for Clemmer. He has had such a bad season, and now at the end he is finally playing well and tonight he got rewarded with his first shutout in over a year. Good for him…
Peninsula Is Mightier:Your SB Nation Miami Heat Blog Community
"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino
Yea, despite not gaining any ground in the race to hit the ground first I’m glad to see SC getting his groove back. If he puts his talent on display over the next 10 days, it could sway the decision making folk to lean on him for next year, freeing up TVo to bring in some skaters.
Beginning to look that way. Helluva time to get it in gear, tho…
by Donny Rivette on Apr 2, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
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