The most important man in the world.
Florida Panthers unofficial starter Craig Anderson stopped 45 shots(!) enroute to a one-goal victory over the visiting Buffalo Sabres at the BAC.
This was an energetic game on both sides, as through most of the contest no one had a clear edge. As the cliche states: It came down to goaltending.
The Peltonen-Campbell-Dvorak trio appeared to be on the ice any and all times an offensive push was made. They’ve got a few good great games behind them as a unit, and it’s terrific to see them – heck, the entire bandaged team – playing as a cohesive whole.
Buffalo had planty of opportunities – witness the shot total – but were unable to cash in until a we-have-to-even-it-up debatable interference call in the third, allowing the visitors a 5 on 3 in which they quickly capitalized. Changed the score, but not the outcome. Hard-fought until a Panthers’ “we-owe-’em” call late in the third allowed for a defensive press, paving the way for the victory. Lost some nails, I did, but a positive finish nonetheless. And how about that Campbell goal?
Sabres’ goaltender Ryan Miller was brilliant at times, except when he really had to be. Two goals in the second – 35 seconds apart – seals that fate. Choke. Well, not a choke, but a case of hard work by the Cats paying off. How many times has a Florida goalie suffered the same fate as Miller?
Soooo…what happens with the impending arrival of Booth? Horton? Zeds? Stillman? That’s where the coaching genius will be made apparent – or lacking. Throw these boys back into the mix and who knows what the Osterizer will produce.
Many thanks to SB Nation’s Die by the Blade for hosting a terrific Open Thread. Highly recommended.
Litter Box Liners
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Miami Herald / On Frozen Pond Blog
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AP via NHL.com w/stats & video
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Panthers website
Next up: Da Broons in Sunrise Saturday night.