NHL: Florida Panthers at Chicago Blackhawks - Source: Imagn — Paul Maurice doesn't mince his words pinpointing Florida Panthers' biggest liability during 4-game loss streak. (Image Source: Imagn)

Paul Maurice doesn't mince his words pinpointing Florida Panthers' biggest liability during 4-game loss streak

Modified Nov 27, 2024 11:00 GMT

Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice opened up about the team's struggles during their current four-game losing streak.

Following a disappointing 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Monday, which marked their sixth defeat in the last seven games, Maurice took full responsibility for the team's performance.

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He admitted that his coaching has not been up to par in recent weeks.

"It’s nothing wrong with the team,” Maurice said via Florida Hockey Now. The coach sucks in the last three weeks. Yeah, I have to re-establish a game. They do what we ask them to do. They play hard. But we’re off our identity and off our style of hockey. That’s my responsibility."

Paul Maurice believes that once the team comes to terms with their situation, they'll be able to move forward more effectively.

"The idea that we’re going to get back to feeling good just isn’t happening for our team this year. We might as well get used to it. We have four sets of back-to-back games in January, three sets and nine games in 15 days to finish."

"So, we’re not feeling good this year. Once we get that out of your head, we’ll be alright," he added.

With their fourth straight loss, the Florida Panthers boast a 12-9-1 record and are second in the Atlantic Division with 25 points after 22 games. The Cats will look to end their skid when hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs (13-6-2) at Amerant Bank Arena on Wednesday.

How Caps downed Florida Panthers

Niko Mikkola put the Florida Panthers on the board first at 7:00 of the first period. Lars Eller then evened the score for the Caps, making it 1-1 before heading into the second period.

After a scoreless second period, the Caps came back strong, scoring three goals, including two on empty-net. Jakob Chychrun, Eller, and Ivan Miroshnichenko found the net for the Caps, securing a 4-1 victory.

"You could tell it was who was going to crack first and who would be able to stick with it. I thought we got away from it late in the second when they grabbed some momentum. The third period was our best period by far," Caps coach Spencer Carbery said via NHL.com.

The Washington Capitals are third in the Metro Division with a 14-6-1 record and 29 points after 21 games. The Caps play the Tampa Bay Lightning next on Wednesday.