When George Parros holds an offensive clinic, observers automatically know they’ve entered the bizarro world. And that’s just what happened Wednesday, as Parros scored twice while Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf earned a goal and an assist each in Anaheim’s 5-3 victory over Florida. Jonas Hiller stopped 29 shots for his 11th win of the season. More from the Ducks Faithful at Anaheim Calling.
Other than that bruising final score – and a general malaise that hamstrung the Florida roster throughout most of the first two periods – it wasn’t all bad news for the Panthers, who finally banged home two power play goals courtesy of reactivated winger Steve Bernier (who added an assist), and a terrific effort from Michael Santorelli (1g,1a). Tomas Vokoun can’t be completely faulted for the four goals he gave up (the fifth was an empty-netter); left to fend for himself on more than a few occassions by a lazy and selfish defense, it was easy to imagine his vein-popping frustration after the second Anaheim goal, a frustration which carried clearly over three thousand miles of flyover country.
Luckily for the Cats’ coaching staff, they could leave the building knowing a successful night on the power play would leave any concerns over undisciplined zone coverage and a knack for missing assignments shelved for another time. Likely tonight.
Said it during last night’s chat and I’ll repeat it here: Remember the first time you picked up EA’s NHL Hockey (any of ’em)? Glance at the book, set up a game against the computer, and let it rip…only to be completely and horrifically outplayed in every way. Missed hits, whiffed shots, numerous odd-man rushes by the opposition, turnovers galore, your goalie tied to the crossbar, and you’re utilizing “strategies” straight out of the Federal League. That was Wednesday’s game.
Quickly: David Booth, Stephen Weiss, and Michael Frolik finished with 1 shot apiece. Time’s up for Michal Repik (no shots, -3)? The young winger has either been used incorrectly or is blowing his chance; past five games he’s collected 1 assist, a -3, and 6 SOG. Vokoun made 24 saves. Dennis Wideman again led all skaters with 23:32 TOI. Bernier led Florida with 6 SOG; Santorelli, Chris Higgins, and Bryan McCabe each had 4.
Cats at Kings, 10:30. Live Game Chat at 10.