Gameday, Panthers vs. Islanders, L (2-3, SO)

After one period, the Panthers are leading by the score of 1-0 and leading in shots 15-9. It's nice to score the first goal, and have a lead after 1 period. José has been sharp, stopping all 9 shots, a couple very quality scoring chances stifled by our favorite goalie.

Evgeni Nabokov is in goal for the Islanders today, so it's a battle of the 35+ goalies. Between these 2 men, they have played 1233 NHL games. Nicely done.

So many missed chances by the Panthers in the offensive end and the game is tied at 1. That Islanders' goal was scored with less than a minute left in the 2nd. The Panthers had killed off a 5 on 3, and were a few seconds away from killing off the 5 on 4, when they ripped a goal past José. He'd made 3 outstanding saves that PK, but that one squeaked past. So disappointing for them, I'm sure. But hopefully they'll bounce back and come out firing in the 3rd. They NEED offense. José saved 13 of the 14 shots he faced that period.

Ugh, another shootout, and another loss. The Panthers can't buy enough offense right now, and it has to be so frustrating for the whole team. But especially José! He has played some of the best hockey of his career since coming back from injury, and they can't produce enough offense to get him wins!!

He ended up with 35 saves on 37 shots. He's now 22-14-9, 2.35 GAA and .921 SV%. But this team has to score more!!! If they can't score more against the teams they've lost to recently, I worry about the rest of their season.