Fuming after back-to-back blowouts, Florida's bench boss takes the blame for his team's sudden identity crisis. Now, a looming practice session threatens to shake the resilient roster awake.
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice criticized his team following a 4-0 shutout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night. The defeat marked the Panthers' second consecutive blowout loss, coming directly after a 5-1 defeat against the Ottawa Senators. Maurice questioned whether "arrogance and softness" had entered the squad's style of play, though he took personal responsibility for allowing the drop in standards.
The consecutive losses halted Florida's prior three-game winning streak, during which they had outscored opponents 18-8. The shutout also spoiled the NHL debut of goaltender Cooper Black, whom Maurice defended despite the result. The Panthers traveled to Chicago on Friday to hold practice before facing the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday afternoon.
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