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3 things Florida Panthers must address to bounce back in 2024 Eastern Conference finals
The Florida Panthers suffered a 5-4 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Sunday to trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven games Eastern Conference final.
Florida looked to take control of the series as the Panthers split the games on the road in New York. However, Florida couldn't hold onto its lead in Game 3, and the Panthers need to make some changes to the way they are playing if they are going to bounce back in a pivotal Game 4 on Tuesday.
3 things Florida Panthers must address to bounce back
#1. Special teams
The Florida Panthers were one of the top teams in the NHL with their power play and penalty kill.
During the regular season, Florida ranked eighth with its power play at 23.5%, while its penalty kill ranked sixth at 82.5%.
In Game 3, the Panthers went 2-for-6 on their power play and went a perfect 2-for-2 on their penalty kills. However, the Panthers allowed a shorthanded goal and are giving up too many chances.
#2. Get people in front of Igor Shesterkin
The New York Rangers employ one of the best goalies in the NHL in Igor Shesterkin and it is tough to get goals on him.
Although Florida did score four times in Game 3, what it needs to do better is get more traffic in front of the goalie. In the Rangers' game-winning goal, Alex Wennberg was screening Sergei Bobrovsky and tipped the game-winner.
Florida needs to make life difficult for Shesterkin and make it hard for him to see pucks coming at him.
#3. Defense had some struggles
The Florida Panthers need to be better defensively and with giveaways if they are going to rebound in Game 4 and even up the series.
In Game 4, Florida had 10 giveaways; while in the defensive zone, the Panthers had some struggles, which forward Sam Reinhart pointed out.
“I think defense is always our first instinct,” Reinhart said, via NHL. “That’s where our focus is, and the rest usually solves itself.”
Florida needs to limit the turnovers and position well to limit the Rangers' offense.
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