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jg2977 · 07-04-2025, 08:22 AM

From the Watchtower at Amerant Bank Arena: Montreal Holds the Line, Florida Falls in Game 3

By Jon Snow
The Miami Sentinel
September 26, 2001

The battle for the Eastern Conference is far from over, but tonight, the men from Montreal struck a blow worthy of song. Beneath humid skies and a partisan crowd at Amerant Bank Arena, the Canadiens carved out a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, taking a 2-1 lead in this hard-fought semifinal series. There was valor. There was blood. And in the end, there was Jose Ruiz, whose bat proved mightier than Florida’s pride.

Ruiz, a warrior cloaked in quiet confidence, stood tall amongst a field of fierce competitors. He struck three blows—two with might and one with subtlety—adding a home run, a double, and a walk to his tale of the night. He crossed the plate twice himself and left chaos in his wake. A lesser man would call it a career night. For Ruiz, it was duty.

He was not alone. Jacopo Peterman, a knight of curious demeanor, rode alongside him. Three hits, one a soaring shot over the left field wall in the third inning, brought Montreal to a lead they would not surrender. Art Vandelay added a thunderous strike in the seventh, and by then, the battle's course had been set.

For Florida, the fire flickered, but never blazed. Young van de Griendt doubled twice, but too few rallied to his banner. The once-mighty Jorge Baca, the Game 1 hero, found himself shackled by Montreal’s arms. The Panthers scratched across three runs, but in truth, their blades dulled before they drew real blood.

The blame cannot fall solely on the hitters. On the mound, Roger McCutcheon bore the weight of defeat. Six innings, fifteen hits, and three home runs surrendered. Like a ranger caught in a snowstorm, he could see no way through. Montreal’s bats found him at every turn, and though he fought with honor, honor was not enough.

Meanwhile, Jose Salgado stood firm for Montreal. Seven innings. Six hits. Three earned. But more than that, he gave his comrades belief. Around him, the bullpen tightened the noose, and Florida, try as they might, found no escape.

And so, the series turns. Montreal now holds the advantage, but they know as well as I do: no lead is safe in war. The Panthers still live, and wounded beasts are the most dangerous. Tomorrow, they clash again.

I have seen many things from the Wall—victories born of courage, defeats born of pride—but if I have learned anything, it is this: the night is long, and full of surprises.

Game 4. Amerant Bank Arena. The war continues.

07-04-2025, 08:22 AM	#2501
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 24,514	From the Watchtower at Amerant Bank Arena: Montreal Holds the Line, Florida Falls in Game 3 By Jon Snow The Miami Sentinel September 26, 2001 The battle for the Eastern Conference is far from over, but tonight, the men from Montreal struck a blow worthy of song. Beneath humid skies and a partisan crowd at Amerant Bank Arena, the Canadiens carved out a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, taking a 2-1 lead in this hard-fought semifinal series. There was valor. There was blood. And in the end, there was Jose Ruiz, whose bat proved mightier than Florida’s pride. Ruiz, a warrior cloaked in quiet confidence, stood tall amongst a field of fierce competitors. He struck three blows—two with might and one with subtlety—adding a home run, a double, and a walk to his tale of the night. He crossed the plate twice himself and left chaos in his wake. A lesser man would call it a career night. For Ruiz, it was duty. He was not alone. Jacopo Peterman, a knight of curious demeanor, rode alongside him. Three hits, one a soaring shot over the left field wall in the third inning, brought Montreal to a lead they would not surrender. Art Vandelay added a thunderous strike in the seventh, and by then, the battle's course had been set. For Florida, the fire flickered, but never blazed. Young van de Griendt doubled twice, but too few rallied to his banner. The once-mighty Jorge Baca, the Game 1 hero, found himself shackled by Montreal’s arms. The Panthers scratched across three runs, but in truth, their blades dulled before they drew real blood. The blame cannot fall solely on the hitters. On the mound, Roger McCutcheon bore the weight of defeat. Six innings, fifteen hits, and three home runs surrendered. Like a ranger caught in a snowstorm, he could see no way through. Montreal’s bats found him at every turn, and though he fought with honor, honor was not enough. Meanwhile, Jose Salgado stood firm for Montreal. Seven innings. Six hits. Three earned. But more than that, he gave his comrades belief. Around him, the bullpen tightened the noose, and Florida, try as they might, found no escape. And so, the series turns. Montreal now holds the advantage, but they know as well as I do: no lead is safe in war. The Panthers still live, and wounded beasts are the most dangerous. Tomorrow, they clash again. I have seen many things from the Wall—victories born of courage, defeats born of pride—but if I have learned anything, it is this: the night is long, and full of surprises. Game 4. Amerant Bank Arena. The war continues. Attached Images Last edited by jg2977; 07-04-2025 at 08:24 AM.