Florida Panthers targeting a new winning run as they take on Minnesota Wild – NHL Preview
Florida Panthers might have got strayed from their winning run, but they, in no way, can be underrated as they play against Minnesota Wild in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida.
For Panthers, the last month was dominated mostly by sorry tales, but this time they are a much better unit displaying improvement in offence as well as defence. However, perfection is yet to be achieved.
As for Wild, the primary target is to reach the safe zone and qualify for the playoffs, but they cannot do it as long as they continue to surrender against relatively less competitive teams.
Here is a glance at both the teams.
Panthers
Panthers won two straight games early this month and lost the next two. They hit back hard and won three, but once again went down and faced three defeats.
With a 50 per cent winning ratio this month, Panthers are presently on a three-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against Ottawa Senators (6-2), Washington Capitals (2-1) and Anaheim Ducks (2-0).
The reason of the losses can be best identified by the remarks of Panthers’ coach, Kevin Dineen. He said after the defeat against Ducks:
"We need to find ways to score. We're not creating enough on offense to get us two points at the end of the night."
Panthers are ranked at third spot in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after 58 games.
Wild
Badly tormented by the struggling offensive unit, Wild have just snapped a seven-game losing streak after beating Boston Bruins.
They are ranked at 12th spot in the Western Conference with 61 points after 59 games and are five points short of eight-ranked Los Angeles Kings.
In the game against Bruins, the second period was the only one to witness the scoring moves.
Wild scored twice in the game while goaltender, Niklas Backstrom, got his fourth shutout of the season.
Wild’s Matt Cullen said after the victory:
“It's been a tough stretch and it's important that we don't sit here and pat ourselves on the back too much. Certainly we'll enjoy it now. We're happy and we're proud of the way we played, but we have to continue to build. We have an uphill climb ahead of
us."
Predictions
Panthers have an edge over Wild.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
If Wild win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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