Florida Displays a Sharks-like Comeback

Video Highlights from Last Game

Florida Displays a Sharks-like Comeback

This afternoon, the Florida Panthers did their best San Jose Sharks impression and came back from a two goal deficit before winning the game in OT. After coming out with a lot of energy and pressure, Team Teal was able to rattle off two goals, putting the Panthers in a hole. Unfortunately, the Sharks' play over the latter half of the game was weak. In fact, they seemed to be waiting for the final buzzer rather than continuing the attack and icing the game. To be honest, it was a pretty disappointing game...just when you think they've straightened things out with their slow starts, they give you a bad finish.

Early in the first, Ryane Clowe got things started when he scored his 16th goal of the season roughly five and a half minutes into the game. Then, late in the period, Patrick Marleau continued his goal streak getting his 41st while on the powerplay. With Joe Pavelski skating up high near the blue line, Number 12 found open ice down low just a little past the half boards. As Little Joe sent a pass into his wheel house, Patty sent the puck into the net on a beautiful one-timer.

In the second period, Florida got one back early when Keith Ballard put one past Thomas Greiss at 1:02. The rest of the period was scoreless, but the Panthers were able to take most of the momentum away from San Jose.

Then in the third, the lone goal came from Florida which tied the game. In a period when the opponent was outshot nearly two to one, it was Florida who scored. This goal sent the game into overtime where the Panthers eventually won when Bryan Allen score his fourth of the season.

I'm not going to put all of the blame on Greiss, but the last goal looked as if it could and should have been stopped. To be honest, with more aggressive play from the rest of the team, Number 1 wouldn't have been in that position in the first place. The only real highlight for me besides the two early goals was Manny Malhotra's decision to stick up for teammate Joe Pavelski. On a play where Number 8 was hit from behind, Manny wasted little time before he dropped his gloves and started throwing punches. Number 27 received 17 penalty minutes for the offense, but it was nice to see that type of play coming from a guy who isn't really known for his fighting.

Well, fortunately the Sharks don't have too much time to worry about losing this one as they face the Ducks tomorrow at 5pm. Hopefully, in the remaining games before the playoffs, San Jose will be able to find a way to put together a solid 60 minute effort. First opportunity comes tomorrow.

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