Gallant insists if Panthers keep putting pucks on net, goals will come

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Gerard Gallant remains composed while weathering his first storm as Florida Panthers head coach, believing that if the team continues to put forth the same effort they did Monday, the offensive floodgates will open soon enough.

Through three games the Panthers have managed just three goals.

"We played a good, hard game tonight, we had lots of scoring opportunities, a 1-0 game is tough to lose but I thought we played well,'' Gallant said. "You keep putting pucks on the net and keep grinding, they'll go in sooner or later.''

For the Panthers, accumulating scoring opportunities hasn't been the issue. In three games this season, the team has recorded shot totals of 21, 29 and 30 respectively -- placing them 21st in the league in shots per game.

No, the team's current woes lie in its inability to execute once players cross the blue line into the offensive zone. Passes are sailing just out of reach. Pucks are being bobbled. Penalties are negating critical power plays.

These issues, Gallant believes, stem from players attempting to make the big play rather than simply sending the puck towards the net.

"Trying to get too cute," Gallant said of his team's offensive performance. "As soon as a guy passes the puck and knows he should have shot it, they comes back to the bench and get mad at themselves. Guys try to be unselfish and help their teammates out, but the easiest thing is to put pucks on the net."

With five new starters and only nine games, including the preseason, under their belt, a lack of chemistry and familiarity among the current lines may also be to blame for the team's offensive shortcomings.

"Obviously, if you're not scoring any goals there's not much chemistry going on," said center Nick Bjugstad, who is still looking for his first point of the season. "We played an all right game, it just came down to not bearing down on our chances."

Left winger Scottie Upshall, meanwhile, thinks that while a lack of chemistry is evident, it's up to the players to look inward and self motivate if the team hopes to rebound from a 0-2-1 start.

"You want to put the guys out there that play well with each other and compliment each other's game. We've got good players in this room, you just got to find a way to dig deep and get the job done. It takes a lot of us looking in the mirror."

One player in particular who may be called upon to spark the offense is forward Brandon Pirri.

Acquired from Chicago in exchange for two draft picks last season, Pirri has recorded seven goals and 14 points in 21 games with the Panthers. Picking up right where he left off last year, he led the team with two goals during a winless six-game preseason.

Still waiting for his number to be called, Pirri has remained upbeat and supportive of his teammates, but admits that it's been hard watching the team struggle in an area of the game he excels in.

"In practice I'm trying to work as hard as I can to show I'm ready and stay in game shape," Pirri said after Monday's morning skate. "Just being a good teammate and cheering the guys on. Waiting for that opportunity and when that opportunity comes I've got to make the most of it.

"We're all a part of the same team. Losses are losses. No one wants to have that. It's frustrating because I think I can help this team, but, at the same time, I'm being the best teammate I can be and just waiting for my turn."

Off to their worst start since 2007, the Panthers now have three days to regroup before embarking on a four-game, nine-day road trip that begins in Buffalo, New York, and ends in Glendale, Arizona.

Will the Panthers look to Pirri to salvage their offense?

Will a quest for chemistry breed four new lines Friday in Buffalo?

Gallant plans to take a hard look at his lineup before making any decisions.

"We'll look at the line combinations and see what we're going to do for sure," he said.

You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.