The Florida Panthers appear to have gotten a little too confident in their abilities lately, proven by the disastrous result Saturday night against the lowly New York Islanders. The Panthers have been very efficient this season in getting goals despite low shots on goal totals. During January in particular the Panthers were lighting up the scoreboard, at one point hitting a 5 game stretch in which they scored 4 or more goals in each game.

Saturday nights outcome however showed that perhaps the Panthers have a little more growing to do as a team than fans expected. The Panthers have been playing with a great deal of confidence lately, which is important given the goal they are striving for and the competition standing in their way. Saturday however the Panthers appeared to have even gained a little swagger, which didn’t help them. Playing against an inferior opponent, Florida got too fancy and despite 38 shots on net (most of which were not decent threats) the Panthers managed 1 goal with 1:27 left in the game.

When Florida enters tomorrow nights game against Toronto, they need to be refocused on what has worked for them so far this season. It is time for the players to get back to the tactics that got them where they are, that got them into contention for a playoff spot. The Panthers have survived this season thanks to simple hockey, basic hockey. Work hard in the corners and crash the net. Florida needs to get back to these tactics, which play more to their strengths, in order to return to success and keep the race for the playoffs alive.