Normally when the Panthers lose it is ugly, prompting criticism from the fans and media. Last night’s loss however is nothing the Panthers should be ashamed of, they should hold their heads high today. The Panthers fell 3-2 to the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. Florida held its own and gave the champs a tough fight, for that they should be proud.

The Red Wings took the lead late in the 1st period and extended their lead to 2-0 1:37 into the 2nd period before the Panthers fought back. Richard Zednik would answer back for the Panthers under 5 minutes later to make it a 2-1 game and midway through the period Stephen Weiss  would score to tie the game 2-2. Detroit however would take the lead for good 4:40 into the 3rd period and hold on for the 3-2 victory.

Panthers’ players should hold their heads high, Detroit is a tough team. Detroit is an NHL best 8-1-1 on the road this season and are the defending champs. The effort was there last night for the Panthers, they just didn’t get the result they were looking for. The Panthers were outshot 32-27 for the game, but did show ability to control the game, outshooting the Red Wings 13-7 in the 2nd period when they tied the game.

The Panthers are in the midst of a tough November schedule and while a win would have been nice last night, the Panthers will have plenty of chances to test their mettle in the coming days as they face Boston, New York (Rangers), and New Jersey. Last night’s showing was a positive step in the right direction, the Panthers showed they can hang in their with the big boys, the next step will be defeating those teams.