Eliot J. Schechter\/NHLI via Getty Images<\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\nThe Panthers have also been able to keep the postseason swings in perspective. Outside criticism doesn’t affect the team’s confidence. There’s little chance any internal doubt will seep in or push Florida away from what they know offers an edge.<\/p>\n
\u00abWe’re prepared to make this a hard series for seven games,\u00bb Bennett said. \u00abThat was our mindset right from the beginning. It’s a fine line in the playoffs. You’re trying to be as physical as possible, but there’s a line, and you’re trying your best not to cross that line and toe [it] for the whole series. I think we’ve done a pretty good job with that. But we can always improve on that, as well.\u00bb<\/p>\n
What made Florida’s loss in Game 3 so frustrating was that they put on a dominant performance. The Panthers outshot New York 37-23, held a 108-43 advantage in shot attempts and came back from a 4-2 deficit in the third. In many ways, Florida did everything right. But the outcome was wrong, so the Panthers were back the next day asking questions on how to improve — with answers easily accessible based on how they’ve prevailed in the postseason so far.<\/p>\n
\u00abSometimes you’re just looking for a certain attitude,\u00bb Maurice said. \u00abWhere can we get better? Where can we turn that into a win? That’s the coach’s job, to make them walk out of the room certain of how to win. That growl, [it’s] just there’s nothing casual. We [should] be wired and ready to go in that room, the intensity level would be pretty high, and we make sure they’re certain about what we’re doing.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Even the best plan can’t guarantee success, though. The Rangers are a formidable, impressive and dynamic opponent capable of overcoming their own flaws and finding success on the toughest nights. The Panthers’ urgency must absolutely be on display from puck drop for Game 4 on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Heading back to New York with a split is what matters. Florida just needs the right road map to get there.<\/p>\n
\u00abDefinitely [a tough team] when they play to their strengths within the way that they’re built,\u00bb van Riemsdyk said. \u00abThey have some high-end players at a lot of the key positions, and they have a lot of depth. We see a lot of different guys contributing for them. That’s why it seems like they’re definitely a team that’s built for the playoff-style game.\u00bb<\/p>\n
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