The preseason can drag along, but obviously everyone needs it. We had a good summer, but we're happy it's over and we're back to work. We've got a long ways to go until the playoffs, but these are the games you've got to win and figure out early on what you need to do to win them.
For myself, the legs felt good. Obviously it would've been nice to get one there on the power play because I felt that I had a good amount of chances to put the puck in the net and just needed a bounce here or there. Overall, I like how many chances we created on the power play.
Everybody on our unit can shoot the puck and isn't afraid to shoot it. With the amount of skill that we have there, it'll just make it harder for the other teams when we move quick and put the puck on net. I know that the more we play together, the better we'll be. We'll be better tomorrow.
Behind the bench, you can tell Paul Maurice is a veteran. He knows what it's all about. Wins and losses, good and bad, he's seen it all. He's very composed out there. He doesn't yell. He knows when it's a good time to say something and when it's a good time to not say something.
For us as players, we pump each other up. It's a fun group, but a serious group. It's got a little bit of everything. After last season, we're a team on the rise. Teams take us seriously. It's great when teams want to give you their best. That's a challenge for us and a great motivation. We know we have to be at our best every day. Last year is going to be tough to beat success-wise, but we're up to the challenge. The confidence is up, and the boys are hard-working men.
Being back in Buffalo for our game tomorrow afternoon against the Sabres, it's always good to see some familiar faces. They're moving in the right direction, which is great to see. I cherish my time here. I loved all the personnel and players here. It's fun to play teammates from the past. I enjoy that.
There's no doubt road trips are tough. We want to get a few wins here and then bring it back home and have a good start at home. Playing in front of our fans at FLA Live Arena, it's a huge confidence booster for us. Our record last season there speaks for itself. When the crowd's on our side and the arena is bumping, it's great. We enjoy every chance we get to play at home.
See you back in South Florida,
Brandon Montour
As told to FloridaPanthers.com's Jameson Olive
