GAME THREAD: Steelers v. Panthers. Sat, 1st February.

[JoeySlats#13]

I see they're still assessing DeLuca and Hrabel on a day by day basis too, so its possible they might be back for the weekend.

Although I do love the fact that we're not reliant one just one or two guys for the scoring, so even with people out, we still seem to be able to get the goals!

Definitely that's a huge difference from last season, having Dowdy, Vallerand, Connolly, DeLuca, Armstrong etc. all miss a number of games this season and it not having an effect on our goal tallies is a massive benefit of having so much more depth than we had previously. We really do have 3 lines that can score this season, plus Tron and BOC providing offense from the back end.

[JoeySlats#13]

I see they're still assessing DeLuca and Hrabel on a day by day basis too, so its possible they might be back for the weekend.

Although I do love the fact that we're not reliant one just one or two guys for the scoring, so even with people out, we still seem to be able to get the goals!

The key for me is that we don't bring either back before they are ready.

Definitely true, there is no need to rush them back. But if they're ready to return what a bonus, Hrabel's defensive solidity and DeLuca's offense would add that little extra spice for the Panthers to deal with. I'm not concerned if they don't return though as we've been churning out the results consistently with bodies missing from the line-up.

[SteelerBlade]

Tough game this. Their new guy doesn't look up to much, but the likes of Hansen, Talbot & Herr are always a threat. If we pressure their defenders they will crack.

[Robert Mansell]

Their new guy is coming in of a spinal cord injury.

[davestag]

Whistle may get the start tomorrow talking to Pantie fans tonight.

[Greenbunch257]

We need to put the Panthers out of this game, and the earlier the better. We need to add to their misery and attack and knock the fight out of their D core.

Unfortunately they have Herr and he impresses me greatly, with him, Matheson and the speed of Lacho we certainly need to be aware and stay out the box. I watched a cracking game mid week between them and Crudiff. I must say their pp is better than ours.

The biggest issue we have tonight is face off wins/loses. The likes of Talbot in the face off circle certainly gives them the edge of Puck possession. Which makes it a longer night for our guys to get the Puck back. I certainly believe we have too much depth to hurt them and win the game. But they will have the same focus as us so hopefully a good game.. Come on Steelers..

[Doom]

I'm not liking my new user name, but for some reason the old one wasn't allowing me in.

This will be a tough game, I was really impressed by the Panthers when we played them in the New Year. Until last weekend I thought they were looking a greater threat than Cardiff, but with the two losses they have to win tonight or they're virtually out of it.

It could well be a full house tonight.....how times have changed since Norton nearly destroyed us.

[Clowne57]

Over 8000 tickets sold, should be a good atmosphere. Fingers crossed we can pull it off. Devils seem to think we are assured a 4 point weekend but the Panthers pushed them until the last few minutes of a 120 minute game and for a large part they looked the better team. It's not going to be easy at all. Come on you Steelers.

[Jayboy]

I'm not liking my new user name, but for some reason the old one wasn't allowing me in.

This will be a tough game, I was really impressed by the Panthers when we played them in the New Year. Until last weekend I thought they were looking a greater threat than Cardiff, but with the two losses they have to win tonight or they're virtually out of it.

It could well be a full house tonight.....how times have changed since Norton nearly destroyed us.

Well you must have picked your new name lol

What was your old name.. I can sort for you :ugeek:

[TealSteeler]

It's a banana skin for sure tonight as they're capable of turning up to play party poopers. But if we play like we know we can, we can probably put a dampener on any title hopes they might still harbour.