Panther Postcard: Hoffman Feeling Comfy in Finland, On Ice

Everyone's been anticipating playing these games all week.
We've had a few good days of practice, but everyone is focusing on this back-to-back against the Winnipeg Jets - the fans, players, everybody. I actually got to play in one of these international games last year in Sweden and it was great. The arena was sold out and energetic. There was a lot of emotion. It's definitely fun to play in that European atmosphere. It's a little bit different.

Overall, the trip has been good so far. Any time you can get on the road early in the season, it's great for team chemistry. Obviously that's a big part of the game these days, so it definitely can't hurt. I've gone to a few cafes, eaten a few pastries and checked out some dinner spots. Finland is very similar to Sweden, I find. They have similar food and both places don't get much sunlight around this time of year. With all that darkness, you definitely get good sleep over here.
For Barky and Juho, this is obviously a once-in-a-lifetime thing. To play in the NHL and have a game over here obviously doesn't happen too often. For them to be able to take part in this and being lucky enough to be on one of the teams that came over here is pretty cool.
It'd also be extra special if they can get a goal or two.

As for myself, I'm starting to find my groove a little bit. It takes a little time to adjust to a new team and a new system, getting your comfort level where it needs to be. I feel like I've just got myself in a good routine on game days. I'm also not thinking too much on the ice anymore.
The first few games with a new team, you're thinking a lot when you're on the ice. Are you in the right place? Are you doing what the coaches want you to do? If you're thinking like that, you're usually reacting a second or two too late. This league is too fast to be doing that. You just have to be reacting to plays as opposed to thinking. I think that's been the biggest difference for me.
The first of two big games is coming up tonight -- or this afternoon for our fans back in Florida - and we know these points go a long way. We need to get on a roll and start accumulating some wins to get us back up in the standings. We've been playing some good hockey, but there's a little bit more that we can give out there to get us over that hump and to where want to be.
Let's get these points,
Mike Hoffman