If The Florida Panthers Lose Game Two, The Series Is Over

Wow. Talk about a barn burner.

Last night's game between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers was one of the best hockey games I’ve ever watched in my life. It had everything you could ask for sick goals, big hits, relentless pace it was truly beautiful to watch if you're a fan of the sport. But if you're a Panthers fan like me, it hurt.

Watching overtime hockey in the Stanley Cup Final is nothing short of torture. I’d rather be waterboarded than go through that all over again. It’s 20 minutes of non-stop anxiety where every shot, every turnover, and every bounce could be the one that ends your night. And when that final goal hits the back of the net and it’s not in your favor, your worst nightmare becomes reality.

I thought the Panthers played... fine. Not great, not terrible. At one point, we were up 3-1, but even with the lead, something felt off. We looked slow, mentally and physically. Part of me thinks the travel played a role. I flew to Edmonton last year and the time change fucked me up. I was getting text from Dave at 3AM telling me I’m going to game seven, meanwhile it was like 8AM his time when he sent it. So I have no clue why the team decided to fly in just the night before the game. It makes no sense. Whether that impacted performance or not, Edmonton was just better last night. Faster. Hungrier. More physical. Oh and Skinner was cracked out on Adderall, without him the Panthers probably go into the third period up 5-1. 

Now do I think that’s going to be the case the entire series? Absolutely not. But I will say this and I can’t stress it enough, if the Florida Panthers don’t win Game 2, this series is over.

Yeah, I know the old saying: “A series doesn’t start until the home team loses.” But guess what? We’re not playing Toronto anymore. Edmonton is a different animal. And as weird as it sounds, the Panthers are actually a better team on the road than they are at home. I don’t know why, I don’t understand it, but it’s true. And because of that, I can’t sit here and confidently say that if we drop Game 2, we’re taking both games back in Sunrise.

If the Oilers can end Paul Maurice’s insane streak of 30-something-and-0 when leading after the second period, they can absolutely steal a game in Florida.

That’s why I’m officially declaring Game 2 a must-win for the Florida Panthers. It’s now or never.