More Takeaways from the Dolphins’ Red Wedding on MNF

/5 Comments/in , /by

If the ‘Game of Thrones’ reference in the title flew over your head; rest assured; Monday Night’s televised meltdown delivered a strikingly akin experience.

 

3 plays from scrimmage, 3 injuries

 

It took just three plays from scrimmage for injuries to mount. While Jaylen Waddle and Xavien Howard swiftly rejoined the game after a brief stint in the medical tent, the Dolphins’ medical team found themselves working overtime on Monday night. 

 

Regrettably, Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill wasn’t able to return to the game as swiftly. While attempting to walk off the field following an ankle entrapment during a screen play gone wrong, Tyreek, clearly in pain, wouldn’t return to the game until late in the second half. He voiced his initial thought of a possible broken ankle during the post-game press conference. Hill said when his injury first happened he felt his “ankle was broken.”

 

While Tyreek Hill’s injury caused the most concern among Dolphins fans, it wasn’t the sole significant setback for the team. Center Connor Williams was compelled to exit the game after being rolled up on. He remained sidelined for the second half, swiftly ruled out due to the injury. Later we found out he tore his ACL; he’s done for the year. 

 

And from there, things would go downhill, fast.

 

Missing: The Cheetah and the Echoing Void in the Dolphins’ Offense

 

In the absence of Tyreek, Miami’s offensive woes echoed the chilling spectacle of disorientation. throughout the half. The team wandered aimlessly, appearing drained and listless. While the ground game found success, the aerial prowess, the very facet that had terrorized opponents all season, struggled relentlessly. As the clock wound down to halftime, Miami trailed 10-7, their solitary touchdown an unexpected Zach Sieler pick 6 on defense. 

 

What happened to the Dolphins defense in the final minutes of the 4th quarter?

 

In a game where the Dolphins’ defense shouldered the weight of the offense, the defensive unit appeared poised for an all around dominant game until one of the most colossal collapses in recent team history unfolded. Miami had built a comfortable lead of two touchdowns with merely 5 minutes remaining. However, the defense inexplicably succumbed, yielding two touchdowns and a crucial two-point conversion in under 3 minutes of play. This collapse marked a staggering NFL record: teams that trailed by 14 points with only 3 minutes left had won 767 consecutive games until Monday night. However, Monday night’s collapse shouldn’t be solely attributed to the defense. Miami weaved a tapestry of errors, contributing to undoing their own hard-earned advantage. They indulged in a myriad of mistakes, everything they shouldn’t have done, ultimately dimming their prospects for first place in the AFC and inadvertently breathing new hope into Buffalo’s divisional aspirations, squandering a prime opportunity to seal their dominance with a victory.

 

What’s the deal with this Tua-led offense and primetime football? 

 

The Miami Dolphins haven’t exactly thrived in primetime—at least in the past decade— and Monday night’s performance only reinforced this narrative. Once again, the glare of the spotlight seemed too intense for the Tagovailoa-led offense, particularly at home where they had maintained a dominant, undefeated record throughout the season. Admittedly, the Dolphins were coping with nearly an entire offensive line comprising backups and the absence of the league’s deserving MVP, Tyreek Hill, disrupting their rhythm. Nevertheless, despite a nightmarish start, the situation failed to improve, and the offense struggled to find its footing.

 

What happens from here?

 

Reflecting on Monday night’s collapse, the pace at which fortune shifted is noteworthy:       

Comparing the team’s previous record of 9-3, anticipating a coveted 10th win and leaving Monday Night Football with aspirations for first place, the Dolphins were riding a wave of momentum.

Miami now grapples with the absence of center Connor Williams (done for the season) and Tyreek Hill’s day-to-day status due to an ankle injury, leaving his participation in the Jets game uncertain. 

The lack of assurance casts a shadow of uncertainty over Miami’s postseason aspirations. This air of uncertainty is compounded by the grueling stretch of challenging games looming on the horizon. The reverberations of everything going amiss on Monday night linger, dimming any semblance of optimism. 

Coach McDaniel faces what could potentially be the team’s most challenging phase during his two-year tenure. The coming period will serve as a litmus test for the Dolphins’ resilience and fortitude as they navigate this crucial home stretch.

Most Notable Iowa Hawkeyes in History

/2 Comments/in , /by

There’s always a huge space to discuss who’s the best, and in Iowa Hawkeye’s history, it’s rich. Dating back to 1899, Iowa’s football landscape has always been part of the fun and excitement of every football season. 

Armed with an education from the University of Iowa, Hawkeye’s finest accomplish many things in different fields, especially football. Many rose to the hall of fame, mastered their field, and showed the world what their State has got. 

Debates of who’s really the best are always a fun topic in every college community football circle. In this list, learn about some of the most notable Iowa Hawkeyes and how they left an indelible mark on football history.

Ken Ploen

Starting in 1956, Ken Ploen was the first of Hawkeye’s starting quarterback, who led his team to its first title in the Big Ten Conference after 35 years, boosting Iowa Hawkeyes odds during that season.  This victory escalated more excitement when their team won a major victory in 1957 for the Rose Bowl, and he was later named MVP for his strategic gameplay. 

When Ken approached his senior year in the football season, he was awarded an “All-American” and was named Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player. His legacy of winning the first-ever victory in the Rose Bowl Game has sealed his name to the annals of Hawkeyes’ football greatness.  Ploen ignited inspiration in the hearts of the succeeding quarterbacks. 

Randy Duncan

The only player to be drafted to be number 1 in overall selection in Iowa’s football history, Randy Duncan has made it happen. He was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in 1959 for their NFL draft. This only came after Randy had led the Hawkeyes to its amazing journey. 

During his time with the Hawkeyes, he was the starting quarterback for two seasons. And in that period, he led the Hawkeyes in the final 10 in those seasons. The Hawkeyes received the All-Big Ten First Team for the second time after Duncan earned it. He was also named Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player and “All-American” consensus. 

Ultimately, Randy Duncan has led his team to the second and last victory of the Hawkeye in the Rose Bowl Game, sealing his name in Iowa Hawkeyes’ finest. 

Gordon Locke

One of the football players of Iowa to ever receive “First-Team All-American” twice, Gordon Locke is one of the key players for the Hawkeyes’ amazing three-year greatness that earned the team’s first two championships in the Big Ten Conference. 

During his time, the Hawkeyes’ final record was 19-2, earning him “First-Team All-Big Ten” honors twice. Today, his name is in the College Football Hall of Fame and Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. A true feat for his hard work and perseverance during the hardships of the Hawks.

Alex Karras

Imagine the ideal physique of a defensive lineman, Alex Karras is an embodiment of Hawkeyes for that. Many considered him the best for that position to ever play for the Hawks. In two consecutive years, 1956 and 1957, he earned “First-Team All-American” twice. 

He was one of the team members during the Hawkeyes, who won their first-ever Rose Bowl game with a final record of 16-2. His display of dominating the defensive line has earned him the 1957 Heisman Trophy runner-up. He also won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the country’s best linemen. 

After contributing to the Hawkeyes’ greatness, Alex made it to the NFL. He was drafted nine times for the All-Pro and four times for the Pro Bowler and has played 161 games. His career transition made his name known to every player who aspired from hard work.

Chuck Long

The Hawkeyes’ best quarterback, Chuck Long, holds the record nine times at least. His early span of career as a starting quarterback lasted for four seasons. In this period, the Hawkeyes won at least eight games every season and transitioned to four bowl games, in which they won twice. 

Chuck was an “All-Big Ten player” thrice;  “Big Ten Player of the Year” thrice. Plus, he was awarded the Davey O’Brien Award thrice and the Maxwell Award thrice. He was also runner-up in Heisman Trophy races, 7th in 1984 and 2nd in 1985.

Nile Kinnick

A quarterback, defensive back, halfback, kicker, and punter, Nile Kinnick is someone we will never see again. Kinnick embodies “Iron Man,” for he can play at every point of the game, even if injured. 

What truly sets Nile Kinnick apart from everyone on this list was his 1939 mind-blowing season. During that season, he carried the Hawkeyes team to an outstanding 6-1-1 score, finishing 9th in the final Associated Press poll.

Kinnick finished 18 interceptions in his career. After that, he won the Big Ten Most Valuable Player Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and the Heisman Trophy. Lastly, he earned the AP Male Athlete of the Year

His name was in the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. They also named him the historically grandiose Kinnick Stadium. 

Final Thoughts

While it remains a debatable topic in every college football circle, the legacy of Hawkeyes’s notable legends inspires and influences those who follow them. And without a doubt, their contribution made Iowa Hawkeyes notable in the country’s football history. 

Panthers offense struggles in Seattle, lose 4-0 to Kraken

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Florida Panthers didn’t have a great road game in Seattle, losing 4-0 to the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.

 

Seattle’s goalie Joey Daccord had 24 saves in his first career shutout. Sergei Bobrovsky gave up three goals on 22 shots for the Panthers.

 

Florida drops to 17-9-2 on the season with Tuesday night’s loss.

 

The first 20 minutes of the night didn’t account for much. Neither team scored in a fairly uneventful first period.

 

Kraken forward Kailer Yamamoto would open the scoring 3:06 into the second with his fourth goal of the year. Will Borgen’s stretch pass broke through the Panthers defense to find Yamamoto, who placed his breakaway shot up and over Sergei Bobrovsky’s shoulder. Seattle took a 1-0 lead.

 

The biggest struggle for Panthers in Seattle was their power play — or lack thereof.

 

The Panthers went 0/3 on the man-advantage and failed to record a single shot on their three attempts. They entered Tuesday sitting right around the middle of the league on power play success at 18.8 percent.

 

“We’re a little tight back there [on the powerplay],”  Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “We’re squeezing the sticks, not moving the puck or our feet particularly well.”

 

Florida’s defense was able to limit Seattle to just 10 shots in the opening 40 minutes, but Yamamoto’s goal had the Kraken up 1-0 going into the final period of regulation.

 

When the third period came around, Seattle kept up their defense, while putting an offensive stamp on the game. 

 

5:59 into the third, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare beat Bobrovsky to give the Kraken a 2-0 lead. Seattle’s Ryker Evans picked up his first career point with an assist on the goal.

 

The depth players showed out for Seattle on Tuesday, with the fourth line scoring their opening two goals. 

 

Former Panther Alex Wennberg would put this game out of reach with 10:47 left in the third — Seattle led 3-0. 

 

Eeli Tolvanen ended the night with an empty netter to make it 4-0.

 

“We got to get a guy in front. I felt like their goalie saw the puck all game,” Gustav Forsling said. “We got to do a little better job on the net front.”

 

Tuesday’s win over the Panthers snapped an eight game losing streak for the Kraken. 

 

Florida has split the first two of their five game road trip and the remaining games of the trip aren’t going to be much easier.

 

They’ll be in Vancouver on Friday to face the West’s second place Canucks before going to Edmonton the following day to face the red hot Oilers, who have won eight straight games.

How to make a home gym and stay fit all the time

/2 Comments/in , /by

In a world where our lives are increasingly fast-paced, cultivating a home gym offers convenience and a commitment to your physical well-being. Crafting a space that motivates and accommodates your fitness goals can make a substantial difference in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

 

This guide will walk you through the steps to create an effective home gym, from selecting the right equipment to establishing a consistent workout routine. Let’s dive into home fitness and discover how to make your home gym a sanctuary for health and vitality.

 

  • Prepare & Designate a Space:
    • Choose a dedicated space for your home gym. This could be a spare room, a corner of a room, or even a portion of your living room. Ensure it’s a space that motivates you and has good ventilation. Clean the space, hire professionals like Calgary painters to refresh the walls, and proceed to the next step.
  • Equipment Selection:
    • Decide on the type of exercise you enjoy and choose equipment accordingly. Options range from basic items like resistance bands, dumbbells, and stability balls to more advanced equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, or elliptical machines. Consider your budget and available space.
  • Cardiovascular Exercises:
    • Include cardio equipment or activities in your home gym to boost your heart rate. This could be a treadmill, stationary bike, jump rope, or even high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises that require minimal equipment.
  • Strength Training:
    • Incorporate strength training to build muscle and improve overall strength. Dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a bench are versatile options for strength training exercises. Bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and lunges are effective as well.
  • Flexibility and Mobility:
    • Don’t forget about flexibility and mobility. Include yoga mats, foam rollers, and stretching areas in your home gym. Regular stretching and flexibility exercises can enhance your overall fitness and reduce the risk of injuries.
  • Multifunctional Equipment:
    • Opt for multifunctional equipment to maximize your workout options while minimizing space usage. For example, resistance bands with different resistance levels can be used for various exercises.
  • Storage Solutions:
    • Keep your home gym organized with proper storage solutions for equipment. Shelving or storage bins can help keep smaller items like resistance bands, yoga blocks, and dumbbells in order.
  • Mirrors:
    • Consider adding mirrors to your home gym space. Mirrors not only create the illusion of a larger space but also allow you to check your form and technique during exercises.
  • Audio and Visual Entertainment:
    • Enhance your workout experience with entertainment. Install a speaker system or set up a TV with streaming capabilities to follow workout videos, listen to music, or participate in virtual fitness classes.
  • Natural Light and Ventilation:
    • If possible, place your home gym in a location with natural light and good ventilation. A well-lit and well-ventilated space can make your workouts more enjoyable and energizing.
  • Consistent Schedule:
    • Establish a consistent workout schedule. Treat your home gym workouts with the same level of commitment as you would if you were going to a gym. Having a routine helps create a habit of regular exercise.
  • Variety in Workouts:
    • Keep your workouts diverse and interesting. Switch between different types of exercises to target various muscle groups and prevent boredom.
  • Stay Hydrated:
    • Have water readily available in your home gym. Staying hydrated is crucial for a successful workout and overall health.

By creating an inviting and well-equipped home gym, maintaining a consistent workout routine, and focusing on a variety of exercises, you can stay fit and healthy from the comfort of your own home. Adjust your home gym setup to meet your fitness goals and preferences, and enjoy the convenience of having a dedicated space for your well-being.

 

Quick Takeaways from Dolphins’ Collapse vs. Titans

/0 Comments/in , /by

We’ve seen it all in December.

We saw a 9-2 team, surging and blessed after Leon Lett’s unforgettable Thanksgiving faux pas, drop its next five, giving up 45 in one and 47 in another, and losing in overtime in the clincher.

That was 1993.

We saw a 9-5 team, finally stabilized after the return of Jay Fiedler, fall apart in Minnesota (Cris Carter doesn’t catch a touchdown) and New England (when they stopped running Ricky Williams).

That was 2002.

We’ve seen too many other collapses to count.

So will this be another, following an inexplicable 28-27 home defeat against the Tennessee Titans, a 14-point underdog that made several seemingly game-sealing mistakes prior to the Dolphins’ meltdown? Will we remember this fourth loss of an otherwise entertaining and at times exceptional season, to be the beginning of another untimely end?

Will we all jump off the nearest precipice?

Tua Tagovailoa tried to reassure scarred, scared Dolphins fans that this time, at last, will be different.

“I don’t think this is the same Dolphins team that everyone thinks about,” said Tagovailoa, who played below his season standards against Tennessee. “We’ve got really good players, we’ve got really good coaches, and it’s one loss (at) home this year. It’s not like the world ends because we lost this game. We’re human, we’ll continue to get better from this. This is the NFL. No one’s perfect. So that’s that.”

But Dolphins fans are human too.

They can remember.

And that’s why they’re all spasming in fear at the thought of another massive meltdown.

Here are 5 things that need to change, for these not to be the Same Old Dolphins:

 

1. Mike McDaniel needs to stop getting so cute. The former 49ers run-game coordinator, who has worked wonders on the Dolphins’ rushing attack with almost interchangeable running backs and offensive linemen, is absurdly reluctant to run inside the red zone. When he finally did it, with the Dolphins on short fields following Titans miscues, Raheem Mostert had no trouble finding the end zone. We understand tendencies play a part in the trickery, but this team can do the Old School football thing. No need to be a genius there. McDaniel said after that he understands “I deserve to be second-guessed.” But this isn’t just the second or third or even fourth time.

 

2. Figure out the center-quarterback exchange. This is the most fundamental act in football, yet it’s been an issue all season. It was with Connor Williams, who is adept at everything else and now may be lost for the season with a knee injury. And it’s certainly been with fill-in Liam Eichenberg. Tagovailoa took responsibility for a drive-killing fumble, yet another in the red zone. But he also said it’s because he doesn’t work with Eichenberg much. This week he will. Get it fixed.

 

3. Stop feeling yourselves. We love the personality of this team, after more than a quarter-century of dull Dolphins atmospheres. We love Hard Knocks. We love the collective swagger and the creative celebrations. But as our Chris Kouffman of Three Yards Per Carry pointed out, the Dolphins have played their two worst games after arguably their two best games. They appear to handle adversity better than prosperity. Well, they have some now.

 

4. Get whole. Well, some of this is beyond their control. But it also seems like there’s some load management at work, and it’s too late for that now. Could Jevon Holland and Terron Armstead have played through nagging injuries? Perhaps. Would it have helped? Likely, especially more offensive linemen (Connor Williams) and defensive backs (De’Shon Elliot) started falling. Now Tyreek Hill has tweaked his ankle, somewhat significantly (he said he thought his ankle was “gone” when he did, and that his wife told him to “get the hell back in the game”). If he misses the game with the Jets, it would be nice to have some reinforcements return.

 

5. Get healed (emotionally). They can’t let this linger. So they might want to stay off social media, which is likely to be particularly lovely this week. McDaniel said players were looking inward, without pointing fingers. If they start the latter, with four challenging opponents upcoming (even the Jets will test them), we can start pointing back to past flameouts, and start pointing to an early, ignominious exit.

Panthers Kick off Road Trip With 5-2 Win over Blue Jackets

/2 Comments/in , /by

Aleksander Barkov scored the game winner to cap off a three point day and Sam Reinhart had four assists as the Florida Panthers began their five game road trip with a 5-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

Anthony Stolarz made 17 saves in his fourth win of the season (4-2-1). The Panthers improved to 17-8-2 with their third straight victory.  

 

“I thought he was really really good,” coach Paul Maurice said of Stolarz. “Those games are tougher, especially for backup guys because they get in and don’t get a lot of work… that five minute block at the start of the third period is where he did his part to help us win the game.”

 

Gustav Forsling, Carter Verhaeghe, Matthew Tkachuk and Eetu Luostarinen also scored for the Panthers. 

 

“We wanted to have a good start on this road trip,” Forsling said. “ I think we really played the right way here.”

 

The first two periods on Sunday afternoon were clean on the penalty front. Neither team went to the box and the chippiness going into the third was at a standstill.

 

However, the pleasantries between the two sides wouldn’t last long after the intermission. Just 24 seconds into the third, Panthers forward Nick Cousins hit Blue Jackets’ defenseman Erik Gudbranson behind the Columbus goal into the dasher. 

 

Gudbranson went into the boards hard and didn’t take lightly to the hit — going after Cousins following the play. Cousins was initially assessed a five minute major for the hit. After review, the call was downgraded to a minor for boarding. 

 

A few minutes after the first hit, Gudbranson grabbed Cousins during the play, throwing him down to the ice and unleashing a series of punches at the Panthers’ forward.

 

Gudbranson would be ejected from the game, while the Panthers went to an extremely rare seven-minute power play.

 

Florida struggled on the extended power play, not finding the back of the net for the first 6:23 of the man advantage. As the power play was winding down, Aleksander Barkov finally cashed in, putting the Panthers up 3-1. 

 

“When you get a seven minute power play, you want the action down at their end,” Stolarz said. “The guys did a great job of killing off time, getting some good opportunities and we finally buried one late there.”

 

While Sam Reinhart didn’t light the lamp on Sunday afternoon, his four assist performance did the job and pushed him even higher up on the Panthers scoring lead. He has 37 points in 27 games. 

 

“He’s so detailed with everything he does. He makes awesome passes and he can score,” Carter Verhaghe said of Reinhart. “He’s a complete player, one of the best players on our team. You see it night in and night out.”

 

Columbus was able to make it a one-goal game with 3:49 remaining, however, a pair of empty net goals from Matthew Tkachuk and Eetu Luostarinen iced away the game for the Panthers.

 

Florida will continue the road trip in Seattle on Tuesday night, heading over to the west coast to take on the Kraken. 

 

Panthers Notes

Carter Verhaeghe got his 200th career point 

 

Matthew Tkachuk scored his fifth goal of the season 

 

Gustav Forsling had his first multi-point game of the season

Takeaways from Panthers 3-1 win over Penguins

/0 Comments/in , /by

SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers pulled through after a slow start on Friday night, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 as they improved to 16-8-2 on the season.

 

The Panthers ended their three game home stand winners of two straight. They’ll be away from Sunrise for about two weeks as they hit the road for the next five games.

 

Here’s the game takeaways. 

 

Ekman-Larsson nets his seventh goal of the year  

To put it lightly, the Panthers didn’t have a ton of juice for the first 37 minutes of the game.

 

After Penguins forward Reilly Smith opened the scoring 8:05 into the second, the Panthers had two power play chances to get back into the game. 

 

Florida failed to convert on both chances and when the second opportunity came around, the home crowd let them know their discontent with the effort, showering some boos across the stadium.

 

The effort up to that point was lackluster to say the least, but with the Penguins leading just 1-0, it was a one bounce game.

 

Luckily for Florida, they got that next bounce from their top scoring defenseman.

 

Just seconds after Pittsburgh killed off their second power play of the night, Oliver Ekman-Larsson snuck backdoor from the point  to one-hand poke in his seventh goal of the season — tying the game at 1-1.

 

You get seven goals as a defenseman a third of the way into the season, you’re a player. You’re a big-time player,” coach Paul Maurice said of Ekman-Larsson. “We’ve been good for him, but he’s been great for us.

 

With that goal, Ekman-Larsson moved into a tie with Drew Doughty and Cale Makar for second most goals by a defenseman in the NHL. 

 

Multi-point night for Lundell

Wherever there was offense for the Panthers, Anton Lundell was somewhere near.

 

The 22-year-old forward was a +3 on the night, picking up assists on Florida’s first two goals. 

 

Panthers coach Paul Maurice wasn’t shy post game when talking about his criticism of his team’s play in the second period, however he did acknowledge that Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, who scored the winning goal, weren’t on his bad list. 

 

“They were the guys that I didn’t swear at. All game I don’t think,” Maurice said. “Lundy was on it, and it was hard.”

 

While he picked up two assists, Maurice mentioned that he believes Lundell is close to flipping the switch on the goal scoring side of things. 

 

“This guy wants to score some goals, it’s a big year for him. But he hasn’t cheated the game to do it,” Maurice added. “If he gets one he’s going to score a bunch.”

 

Panthers lock it down in the third

Florida was noticeably the lesser of the two teams in the second period, and Paul Maurice wasn’t pleased with their effort after 40.

 

Whatever was said in the locker room at the second intermission seemed to have worked — it was a different Panthers team in the third. 

 

The lack of energy I mentioned earlier wasn’t the case in the final period of regulation. Florida came out stronger in the third. 

 

They were quicker on pucks, more sound preventing odd-man rushes through the neutral zone and most importantly, they didn’t let much through on Sergei Bobrovksy.  

 

Bobrovsky kept the game close in the first two periods, his teammates did the rest in the third. 

 

“You know, he’s a good goalie and he’s going to be there every time,” Ekman-Larsson said. “I think he kept us in the game early on”

 

Florida gave up just five shots in the third period — three of those coming in the final 60 seconds with Pittsburgh having an extra attacker.

 

Bobrovsky had 22 saves in his 13th game of the season. 

 

With 27 seconds remaining, Aleksander Barkov iced the game with an empty net goal. 

 

Panthers Notes

Florida’s next game is Dec. 10, at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

The Panthers next home game is Dec. 21 against the St. Louis Blues. 

 

Aleksander Barkov scored his ninth goal of the season — he has 25 points on the year.

Takeaways: Rodrigues gets 4 points in Panthers 5-4 win over Stars

/0 Comments/in , /by

SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers snapped a three game home losing steak on Wednesday night, defeating the Dallas Stars 5-4 at Amerant Bank Arena.

 

Evan Rodrigues led all skaters with four points.  Sergei Bobrovsky had 29 saves in his 12th win of the season.  Florida improves their record to 15-8-2 on the season.

 

Here’s my game takeaways.

 

The first-line carries again

When Florida needed offense this season, it’s usually coming from those on the first-line. 

 

The trio of Sam Reinhart, Aleksander Barkov, and Evan Rodrigues are top-five in scoring amongst Florida skaters.

 

Against Dallas, Florida’s top line put on a show. 

 

Rodrigues equaled his best game in a Panthers uniform on Wednesday, picking up four points (two goals, two assists).

 

“It’s definitely nice,” Rodrigues said when talking about his goals. “I had one against the Islanders (last game) that I should have put in and wanted back. It’s nice to bounce back and get a couple today.”

 

Sam Reinhart had three points, Aleksander Barkov had two, and both players scored a goal.

 

Reinhart is second in the league with 17 goals. He leads the Panthers in scoring with 32 points.

 

 

Multi-point night for Mikkola

The first year of Niko Mikkola in a Panthers jersey has been a great one for the Finnish defenseman.

 

Mikkola, 27, already tied his career high in goals this season (three) earlier the year.

 

On Wednesday night, Mikkola had two assists for just his second multi-point game of the season.

 

While it may be a surprise for some to see Mikkola near the top of the box score, his fellow countryman and captain thinks otherwise. 

 

“It’s not surprising. I always knew he was a great player,” said Aleksander Barkov. “I’m really happy for him and it’s been going well for him” 

 

Mikkola is second on the team in points by a defenseman with 10. 

 

Panthers hold on after five goal third period

The final period of regulation was surely a fun one for the neutral fan watching Wednesday’s nationally broadcasted Panthers – Stars game.

 

After the first 40 minutes of play, the Panthers lead 3-1. 

 

Florida, who entered the night fourth best in goals allowed in the third, didn’t have the same consistency against Dallas. 

 

The Stars were able to score two unanswered to tie the game at 3-3 just 4:14 into the third period. Dallas would put three past Bobrovsky in the period before the final buzzer. 

 

“Couple of strange ones there to tie it 3-3, but there really wasn’t the sag or the panic on the bench,” coach Paul Maurice said. “I liked the way the bench felt in the kind of momentum swings that we saw.”

 

Despite losing a multi-goal lead early in the period, Florida would get two goals of their own in the final 20, just scraping by for a one-goal win.



Panthers Notes

Florida’s next game is Friday, Dec. 8 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

 

Oliver Ekman-Larsson had one assist on Wednesday — he leads all Panthers defensemen in scoring with 13 points.

 

Carter Verhaeghe scored his 12th goal of the season.

5 Takeaways from Dolphins’ 45-15 win over Washington

/0 Comments/in , /by

Despite playing away from home, the Miami Dolphins’ offense revived shades of their early-season dominance witnessed in home games. Notably, their explosive 70-point triumph over Denver in Week 3 was a standout performance. While Sunday’s victory didn’t replicate the 70-point spectacle, it showcased the Dolphins’ offensive prowess and their renewed ability to dissect defenses, a quality that had been less prominent in recent matchups.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa saw limited action after the initial possession of the second half, primarily navigating conservative play calls centered around runs. Nevertheless, Tagovailoa managed to deliver two touchdowns, both in collaboration with Tyreek Hill, who amassed a remarkable 157 yards on just five receptions. Hill’s current pace hints at a ridiculous 2,098 yards for the season, which would be an all-time record.

 

Andrew Van Ginkel shines in the absence of Jaelan Phillips

 

When the Miami Dolphins needed a hero in the absence of the sensational Jaelan Phillips, enter Andrew Van Ginkel. Known for his earlier standout performances, Van Ginkel faced big shoes to fill in for the injured Phillips. Yet, in Sunday’s game, he stepped onto the field with sheer determination. His stats spoke volumes: 2 QB hits, 5 tackles, and a game-changing pick-6. Not to mention, he came close to blocking a punt. Van Ginkel’s impactful contributions in the Dolphins’ win reflect a ‘next man up’ mentality.

 

Did the Vic Fangio defense really hold the NFL’s leading passer to 130 passing yards?

 

Washington QB Sam Howell faced a daunting challenge against the Vic Fangio defense this time around. Despite Howell’s reputation for aerial dominance (in terms of yardage), Fangio’s formidable defensive strategy posed a considerable obstacle. Miami’s defense, notably performing at a high level in recent weeks, has had to overcome hurdles due to injuries to key players like Jaelan Phillips, Jevon Holland, and Jerome Baker. Their resilient ‘next man up’ mindset remained evident. Washington’s offense struggled to find its footing against the tenacious Fangio-led defense, failing to establish any real momentum or success during the game.

 

Tua Tagovailoa: The best QB “In the (World)?”

 

That’s what the Cheetah seemed to imply in a tweet following Sunday’s victory. Sunday’s game further bolstered Tua’s MVP candidacy. He consistently delivered on crucial third downs, notably launching a 78-yard bomb to Tyreek Hill in the first quarter. What stood out was Tua’s ability to avoid sacks throughout Sunday’s game. While credit may go to the offensive line, Tagovailoa’s adeptness at navigating the pocket, evading defenders, getting the ball out quickly, and extending plays was evident.

 

Magic number 3?

 

The Dolphins are on the verge of clinching a second consecutive postseason berth under Head Coach Mike McDaniel. With the magic number at 3 wins to clinch, the Dolphins can taste the postseason. However, their aspirations surpass mere qualification. Miami eyes the division title and a potential first-round bye, lofty yet achievable objectives. Yet, looming over them is the persistent challenge: dispelling the narrative that they struggle against top-tier opponents. As they face formidable teams like Dallas, Baltimore, and Buffalo in upcoming matchups, the Fins aim to rewrite this narrative as the conclusion of the regular season nears end.

Takeaways from Panthers 4-3 loss to Islanders

/1 Comment/in , /by

SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers couldn’t overcome a two goal deficit on Saturday, falling to the New York Islanders 4-3 at Amerant Bank Arena.   

 

Islanders’ goalie Ilya Sorokin saved 42 of the 45 shots he faced as he handed the Panthers their third consecutive loss at home.    



Here’s some takeaways from the game. 



Islanders crack the Panthers’ stellar penalty kill

After 26 straight successful penalty kill attempts, spanning over six games, the Panthers penalty kill finally conceded a goal. 

 

Islanders’ captain Anders Lee broke the Panthers streak 12:36 into the first — putting New York up 1-0. 

 

Prior to Saturday, the last power play goal the Panthers gave up was Nov. 17 against the Anaheim Ducks.

 

Florida ended November with a 90.4 percent success rate on the kill — which was third best in the league over the month. 

 

The Panthers finished the game 1-2 on the penalty kill. 

 

Matthew Tkachuk snaps goal drought 

In 2022-2023, Matthew Tkachuk had 40 goals on the season, which was second on the team, just behind Carter Verhaeghe’s 42. Through 23 games this season, Tkachuk had scored just three times.

 

Entering Saturday night’s matchup against the Islanders, Tkachuk was without a goal in his last 10 games — last scoring on Nov. 10 against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

 

With the Panthers down two in the second period, Tkachuk beat Sorokin for his fourth goal of the season, cutting the Panthers deficit to one.  

 

While it’s definitely going to be a nice feeling for Tkachuk to find the back of the net again, his teammates weren’t worried, even when he was on a drought.

 

“I’m not too worried about him,” Verhaeghe responded when asked about Tkachuk. “Sometimes the puck isn’t bouncing … he’s gonna get a lot of goals.”

 

Ilya Sorokin backstops the Islanders with big performance 

“I didn’t think they had the edge,” is what Paul Maurice’s first said after the  4-3 loss on Saturday to the Islanders, and he has a decent argument.  

 

In the one goal loss, Florida outshot the Islanders 45-27.  

 

Did the Panthers play great? Absolutely not — however — tonight’s game wasn’t a blatantly in your face poor performance like their last home game against Winnipeg was.

 

“We played the same style of game that we played in our last three much better than the fifth game ago (Nov. 14 vs Winnipeg),” Maurice said.  “If we made a mistake it was in our net.”

 

New York clearly won the goaltending battle tonight. Ilya Sorokin had 42 saves in what was his sixth win of the season. 

 

On the other side of the ice, Florida’s Anthony Stolarz didn’t have a spectacular night, giving up four goals on 27 shots. 

 

And for pucks that didn’t get through to Sorokin, the Islanders did a pretty good job getting in the way of those, blocking 25 shots — six more than the Panthers did. 

 

“I think we played the right way,” Gustav Forsling said. “We couldn’t really get the puck in, they did a good job.”

 

Florida drops to 14-8-2 on the season and 7-4-0 at home.  

 

Panthers notes 

Florida’s next game will be Wednesday, Dec. 6 at home against the Dallas Stars. 

 

Josh Mahura was activated off IR on Saturday — he hasn’t played since Nov. 16.

 

Sam Reinhart scored his 16th goal of the season Saturday. He leads the team in scoring.