Florida Panthers- Out of gas
Their playoff run looks to have run out of steam.
Undoubtedly weary making his franchise-record 25th consecutive start, the 41-year-old netminder allowed goals on the first three shots he faced in the second period before being pulled as the Panthers dropped a 4-2 decision to Ottawa Thursday night at the BankAtlantic Center.
The loss, only Florida’s third in regulation on home ice since Christmas, dropped the Panthers to 31-30-13 and was likely the final blow to their dwindling playoff hopes as they fell seven points behind eighth-place Carolina, a 4-3 winner over Washington.
Ottawa’s four goals against Belfour came on just nine shots.
*****
Belfour had given up five goals in back-to-back games last week, but rebounded to stop 24-of-25 shots in Tuesday’s 4-1 win at Philadelphia.
Florida outshot Ottawa 37-19 and, by the Panther coaching staff’s count, had twice as many chances.
Craig Anderson, who stopped all 10 shots he faced in his first extended work as a Panther, said the opportunities the Senators’ sharpshooters got were just too good.
I expressed concern about Belfour last Sunday. You can only ride a 41-year-old goalie so far. The Panthers have played well for the last 2-3 months. 2006-07 won’t see them make the playoffs but next year is looking hopeful.
- Playoffs mean big payday for Ed Belfour
- Goalie Craig Anderson and Florida Panthers shut down Ottawa 3-1
- Craig Anderson completes his 2nd straght shutout, Florida beats Boston 1-0
- Will George Richards of the Miami Herald please pick up the Black courtesy phone
- The show must go on- Ottawa beats Minnesota 4-1
- Florida’s 6-3 win over Boston puts them one point out of division lead
- Florida Panthers and the Eastern NHL Conference at the half way mark
- Colorado and Goalie Craig Anderson blank Vancouver 3-0
- Dousing the Flames- Panthers beat Calgary 3-2
- Florida Panthers- Too little, Too late
- Eight is Enough- Edmonton beats Chicago 8-4
- Lydia Ko wins New South Wales Open
- The Comeback I- Pittsburgh Penguins beat NY Islanders 5-0
- Seattle Mariners Outfielder Greg Halman stabbed to death at age 24
- Hee Young Park wins CME Titleholders Championship
- Oklahoma State Women’s Basketball Coach Kurt Budke dead at 50
- Costly mistake- Blackhawks waive Rostislav Olesz
- Manager Tony La Russa announces retirement
- Puck Drop- Florida Panthers start the 2011-12 NHL season
- 13-time PGA Tour winner Dave Hill dead at 74
Comments are Closed