Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

The Florida Panthers have in the prelude to today’s opener in Helsinki, against the Chicago Blackhawks, been forced to re-tool their blueline. Losing the workhorse stallion of Jay Bouwmeester (to Calgary) always meant the Cats would need a makeover in defense this off-season. But how do you replace such a vital player as Jay-Bo anyway?

Well, you don’t, quite frankly. There’s only a handful players of Bo’s caliber in the league and the Panthers have none of them in their line-up. What inter-rim GM Randy Sexton and Head Coach Peter DeBoer instead has tried to do; is to go for strength in depth to remedy the situation.

Operation Defense

With one hefty pay-check off the books, it allows the team to get 2-3 players of proven or upcoming qualities, to come in and steady the ship. The Cats have indeed added numbers to the blueline this summer – to the extent that the opening day defensive pairings are anyone’s guess at this point in time.

In have come the likes of Jordan Leopold, Ville Koistinen, Dmitry Kulikov and Dennis Seidenberg, whilst Bryan Allen finally has returned from his long-term injury. Already on the books are steady fixtures Keith Ballard and newly appointed captain Bryan McCabe; whilst AHL’r Jason Garrison provides good injury insurance with his two-way contract and uncapped potential. How’s that for competition and blueline depth?

This defensive depth may come in handy earlier than anyone would have anticipated with three defenders (Ballard, Allen and Leopold) struck by the flu bug. They all skated yesterday and should be available for selection today however (together with fellow victim Stephen Weiss).

One that will be selected for opening night will be young Russian Dmitry Kulikov; who the Panthers managed to get signed to an NHL entry level contract, just before the end of the deadline, a couple of days ago. This year’s first round draft pick has impressed coach DeBoer, who is quoted as saying that Kulikov will be given 9-10 games to prove himself in the NHL.

Together these blueliners should be able to divide Jay-Bo’s almost 30 minutes-a-game playtime between them, create a sense of competition and hopefully push each other to new heights. At least that is what Sexton and DeBoer are counting on.

The philosophy shown in the summer signings in defense are echoed in the goalie department; where Tomas Vokoun will pushed hard by Scott Clemmensen, whilst Alexander Salak will provide back-up duties in case of injuries and is therefore with on the trip to Finland. Tomas has been penned in for the opening game tonight, and if he plays well he’ll be back in goal again in the second header-to-header tomorrow, against the Hawks.

Meanwhile, Vokouns former team mate and back-up Craig Anderson started his career as a No.1 goalie in promising style yesterday; helping Colorado beat San Jose 5-2, making 38 saves.

Promising Offense?

Despite the loss of Bo, Skras and Andy in the defensive compartment, arguably the make or break of Florida’s hockey fortune’s – this upcoming season – will be the performance of the offensive units. Certainly its shortcomings last season, when it came down to production, were what prevented the Panthers from making the post season that time around.

With the core still intact from that campaign, it is clear that coach DeBoer is counting on those promising Cats to up their game and take it to the next step at this level. The Sunrise Express line of David Booth, Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton is likely to be counted on as the top unit. But as good as those players are – question marks still surround them as to whether they really deserve top billing on a team striving to reach the playoffs?

Only time can tell, but fans have been hoping long enough that these players would develop in to legitimate NHL stars. There must come a time when hope gives way for results, and most likely that time will be now. These three players must find that extra level within them and elevate their game accordingly. It’s probably now or never to be honest.

On a projected second line, the Panthers have new summer recruit Steven Reinprecht centering veteran Cory Stillman and youngster Michael Frolik. The major question mark here is how Reinprecht will perform in this role, having previously been accustomed to a more checking role in Phoenix.

And on the checking third line we again can expect Gregory Campbell and Radek Dvorak teaming up for some hard hits and quick counter attacks, probably together with Rostislav Olesz, who got most of last season spoiled with injury. On the fourth we’ll find utility players like Nick Tarnasky (when back from injury), newbie Mike Duco, Kamil Kreps and Shawn Matthias battling it out for a starting role.

In addition, there are a few players in Rochester that could be called up in case of injury or if they impress sufficiently in the American Hockey League. Hopefully the Panthers farm affiliate will be better equipped this season, with a couple of key veteran signings, to stand up for themselves in that competition. Young Florida prospects are more likely to develop in an atmosphere of success, rather than in one of doom and gloom, so the revival of the Amerks is pivotal to the organization as a whole.

The Thin Red Line

Overall, the Florida Panthers have a steady, yet unremarkable team in the sense of star names. Again they will be dependent on digging deep for that little extra something in games and work hard for every scrap and point they can get. It is hard to judge this 09/10 incarnation of the Cats. Success will rely on the successful development of existing talent on an individual level and on the mental fortitude and togetherness of the team.

In Head Coach Peter DeBoer the club has the right man for the job, and the team is very much molded in his image, but can he do what so many others have failed with; take the underperforming Panthers to a playoff?

Personally I won’t count this out, stranger things have happened in sports, but he sure has a difficult task on his hands. Perhaps even an insurmountable task at that. There are positive signs, yet overall, I go in with less confidence this season than I did the previous one. I really thought that that was going to be the time when Florida unshackled itself from the chains of failure, only to trip on the final hook.

With this in recent memory, it is hard to be overly optimistic. But, there is always a ray of hope… And, against all “better” judgment, hope – I do…

After an initial flurry of signings in the early days of July, it has been chiefly quiet days in South Florida. Head Coach Peter DeBoer seems to be comfortable with the players at his disposal and feels confident that they can continue to develop and challenge for a playoff spot this upcoming campaign.

Overlooked among the paper speculations, names and numbers of the colorful free agent signings, is what happens behind the scenes; how everyone, from the front office to the staff to the players – all prepare themselves for the new season ahead.

Here I will uncover how the Panthers are using a new groundbreaking technology in its bid to constantly improve. And, according to both players and studies made, this new technology can actually make a huge difference to their on-ice performance and give the Panthers an edge on the opposition.

To find out exactly what this new technology is all about and how it came to involve the Florida Panthers, we need to first travel north of the border, as is often the case in hockey, to the roots of the sport.

From Vision to Realization

In Kingston, Ontario, we can find the home of Blackstone Sports and its co-founders Murray and Steve Wilson. A father-son team, who ten years ago took the first step in realizing a modest vision of being No.1 within their field. They took the step over the precipice and set out from nothing to realize their dreams. Well, maybe it wasn’t that modest, but today it seems like they are well on their way of doing what they set out to do – with a double digit growth over the past decade.

It was an “exciting journey” as the co-founder of Blackstone Sports, Steve Wilson, put it. Working with engineers, this father-son team had to create a brand name and try to come up with something that would give them an edge in their field. And the field in question? Skate sharpening!

It is a subject that Steve knows most there is to know about. Having started working in his father’s hardware store at the age of twelve – sharpening skates of course (this is Canada after all!) – later this came to pay for his college studies and has been a pivotal part of his life ever since.

And from the abovementioned humble beginnings in Chatham, Ontario, the profession of his choice would eventually take him to Southern Florida; where a Panthers equipment manager and veteran player would soon come to play a big role in the spreading of a new groundbreaking technology that Blackstone Sports had developed – called the Flat Bottom V.

The Flat Bottom V Technology

In their quest to optimize an old system of skate sharpening that had been largely unchanged during the previous century, Steve Wilson and his engineers came up with the ‘spinner system’ which dresses the sharpening wheel differently – than the traditional single diamond system. It creates a different shape that allows for “a more consistent and more efficient way to dress the wheel” as Florida Panthers Head Equipment Manager Chris Scoppetto clarifies.

The Flat Bottom V technology came from working with this spinner system and the engineers eventually guided the process toward what would become the Flat Bottom V (FBV) shape. “The Flat Bottom V allows the wheel to be shaped in a new way, allowing the skater to have the best of both worlds. Traditionally if you had a deep hollow you would have more bite for agility but less glide because you were digging into the ice,” Scoppetto goes on to explain.

In other words, with the traditional system of skate sharpening; a player had to choose between agility on the ice or speed. With the FBV technology that is no longer the case.
The below pictures can illustrate this difference:

Comparing the FBV technology with that innovative breakthrough with hockey sticks; namely the graphite composite hockey stick, is not wide of the mark. Difference here is that FBV skates are not likely to shatter whenever a Panthers player is trying to clear the puck from deep within their zone…

The Prototype Sensation that got Stillman on Rails

Panthers Assistant Equipment Manager Chris Moody had been using the spinner system for the dressing of the sharpening wheel even before Scoppetto arrived from Detroit – and now the two Chris’s work closely side-by-side. So, the Cats had early on, an established working relationship with Blackstone Sports and, in 2008 when this new FBV technology was still on the prototype stage, Steve Wilson was in South Florida on a routine visit. He brought with him the Flat Bottom V prototype, and as it happened, veteran winger Cory Stillman was in the dressing room at the time and was asked if he wanted to try something new. “He did, and he loved it!” Steve recollects. “He wouldn’t let me leave with it!”

Indeed, so enamored was Stillman by the FBV technology that Steve had to leave the prototype behind. Chris Scoppetto explains why the player felt such a difference in his own recollection of the event:

“Cory Stillman was on an inch and a half hollow which is almost flat (no edges). He tried the Flat Bottom V and skated like he was on rails. He did not have to slow down while turning/stopping/ or going into the corners. Other guys began to try the Flat Bottom V and remarked how they were less fatigued because they were not sinking deep into the ice. Because it was a ProtoType Spinner, Steve was not sure he could leave it with us. Stillman liked it so much (as well as a handful of other players), we were able to keep the ProtoType in Florida”.

By the end of the 2008/9 season, Stillman was not alone in using the Flat Bottom V. Among the Panthers team were: Nathan Horton, Ville Peltonen, Rostislav Olesz, Anthony Stewart, Bryan McCabe, Nick Boynton, Keith Ballard, David Booth, Michael Frolik, Kamil Kreps, Richard Zednik, Nick Tarnasky, Radek Dvorak and all three Coaches – using the FBV.

“Like dominos, more players tried the new Flat Bottom V and more switched to it.  This was uncommon because at the NHL level players usually are not open to drastic changes,” says Scoppetto.

“Thanks for Adding 3 More Years to my Career”

Since then the technology was introduced upon the market, it is now spreading rapidly word-by-mouth among hockey athletes. Steve tells me that they currently have six to seven weeks of backorders – due to the heavy demand. And so, whilst being first in the NHL to embrace it, the Panthers will no longer have this technology to themselves and will hence perhaps lose some of that initial edge on the competition – before soon – although they’ll no doubt continue to spearhead the technology in the National Hockey League.

Studies undergoing at the University of Ottawa have confirmed that the FBV “blew competitors out of the water” as Steve puts it, in their tests – adding as much as 5-6% of speed (whilst additional agility is more difficult to quantify). The players certainly feel the difference and some have even thanked Steve for “adding 3 more years to my career!”

In a time of salary cap crunches and long contracts, that certainly is not a bad compliment to this new technology and something everyone can gain from. Not least hockey fans; as a faster more exciting brand of hockey is suddenly possible, in the wake of this great skate sharpening innovation.

Leap of Faith

So what else is on the horizon for Steve Wilson and Blackstone Sports?

They are at the moment trying to keep up with the demand and backorders on the Flat Bottom V, but are also looking at how to use and adapt the technology to other ice skating sports; such as figure skating and speed skating. No doubt the technology could turn out to be an as great innovation here as it is currently proving itself within the hockey world.

About his experience with the Panthers, Steve says he “feels great to be a part of the Florida Panthers” who he feels he has “a great working relationship with and holds in high regards”. He also says that Florida’s Head Equipment Manager Chris Scoppetto and Assistant Equipment Manager Chris Moody “took a leap of faith” when utilizing the new FBV technology.

And hence, some of the credit for the rapid spread of this new technology must go to the Florida Panthers, and in particular aforementioned Chris’s, and not least veteran winger Cory Stillman – who is now officially on rails – thanks to the FBV and Blackstone Sports.

The Miami Herald’s sportswriter, George Richards, has stoked the flames of speculation in his On Frozen Pond blog by claiming that the Florida Panthers may be on the verge of changing ownership:

“The NHL’s Board of Governors is meeting in Chicago this week with the sale of the Panthers from the Alan Cohen ownership group to the SPAC apparently on the agenda.”

Apparently that would mean it would indeed be on the agenda today, Wednesday, although the Phoenix Coyotes situation is likely to top the bill of discussions. The paper could not confirm these rumors so it remains as yet unknown if indeed an accord to sell the franchise has been struck or not – between Cohen’s ownership group and the SPAC, led by Andrew Murstein.

If indeed these rumors are correct it is possible that the Panthers have new owners by sundown tonight. However, both sides have been shrouding any potential negotiations in the utmost of secrecy; and so far very little has slipped out about the proposed deal. Hence we will just have to patiently wait and see…

On the lookout for a new GM?

One thing that a new ownership could come to have an immediate impact on is the appointment of a new Florida General Manager, according to that same report in the Herald:

“Murstein is reportedly close to former New York Rangers/Islanders GM Neil Smith, who [...] is one of a handful of finalists for the job as it stands today. The other finalists for the GM job: Sexton, Doug Reisbrough, Doug MacLean and Jeff Gorton.”

This goes against Mr. Richards earlier predictions the same day; betting that current inter-rim and Assistant GM Randy Sexton would get the job. Randy has of course been handling affairs ever since former GM Jacques Martin skipped the ship in early June, and it must be said, Sexton was left with a real mess to try and clean up after his former boss. Considering this, it would surely be terribly unfair if someone else stepped in and took over the ship – now that Sexton finally managed to get it back on an even keel again.

Personally I’m all for letting Randy Sexton continuing as Panthers General Manager; he has surely earned the right to give it a go. Having made all the tough off-season decisions – he deserves the chance to see where it leads. Give him a one-year deal and see how things look at the end of the campaign, then decide if outside help is needed to fill the position or not, that’s my five cents in the discussion. What’s your opinion in this matter?

Sexton himself remains philosophical about the current GM situation and the deals he’s made this off-season for the Panthers: “I’m pleased with what we have done,” he said to the Miami Herald. ”For me, it’s straight ahead, lots to do every day. I’m trying to make the team better, the organization better. The GM stuff will sort itself out.”

Panthers new Russian connections

It seems that Randy’s hands have been tied by the proposed sale, tight money-ropes and coach Peter DeBoer’s expressed wish to not make too many changes: ”We talked about a few deals, and he (DeBoer) encouraged me not to make them. He thinks there is more here, more upside,” Sexton revealed to Richards. The latter then goes on to predict the same Panthers line-up that I predicted here, several weeks ago, in my article “Do the Panthers Have What It Takes to Compete?”

Finally, Randy Sexton also said that he’s currently trying to sign this year’s top pick D Dmitry Kulikov before training camp. The Russian player has a KHL contract but has a buy-out trigger that the player himself can activate if he pays the money stipulated in that clause.

As for the other Russian question, the one I’ve reported here about LW Evgeni Dadonov, Sexton reveals the stance of the Florida Panthers is that Dadonov’s KHL contract “has expired” and that the protracted deal will be concluded before next season:

”He will be with the organization. It may take him a little while to adjust to the North American pro game, but he has very good hockey sense. Elite hockey sense. He’s not big, but crafty and clever. He has terrific potential. We all know there will be injuries. If he’s playing well [in Rochester], he’ll get up for some games.”

The free agency frenzy of July 1st, and the time following up to training camp in September; can be a very disconcerting time for fans of hockey in general Panthers faithful in particular. Seeing as Southern Florida with its unreliable fanbase and notably hot yet unhockey-like environment – is anything but a magnet when it comes to attracting hockey players of note – it is not surprising that the tune sung around this Floridian camp is usually a somber one; if not downright depressing this time of year. And that’s not to say that things usually get any better – at whatever time of – the following season either….

It’s sad to say, but this year does not seem to be a notable exception to this solemn hymn of Floridian hockey frenzy’d despair. Yes, the Florida Panthers have actually been very active this time around on the marketplace, but, despite some quality signings it is a bit of a stretch of the imagination to say that the club has necessarily got better. The squad may be cheaper, which will undoubtedly warm the hearts of current and prospective owners, but better…?

Last season the club did break out of early season mediocrity to make a bonafide all-out assault on the Eastern Conference Top 8. However, despite a string of impressive performances – all of which seemed to stem from the teams energetic new young coach Pete DeBoer; his strong goaltending tandem and sturdy defense. Especially the latter contributed considerably to any success the Cats found in mid-season last campaign. Not only were the top six warding off opponents, but also at times, they were the team’s main scoring threat – notching up many timely and important goals.

After the trade deadline however, the wheels came off of the Panthers’ post-season challenge. The defense in particular, was not as strong as previously, and the goalscoring woes of the forwards continued unabated. Not even the goaltenders could stem the flow now and Florida’s playoff charge quickly derailed – and this despite the struggles and continued woes of the centennial celebrators in Montreal. Tied on points, but with an inferior wins statistic, it was the Habs and not the Cats that progressed. A bitter end to what seemed like a very promising campaign, just a couple of months earlier.

The failure to upgrade at the transfer deadline cost the Panthers dearly. Other teams that provided the Cats’ major competition – the NY Rangers. Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes – all improved their squads at the deadline. Florida did not and the wheels subsequently soon fell off the wagon train down the bumpy stretch called “the playoff race”. Especially pending free agent Jay Bouwmeester looked lackluster toward the end and failed to justify just why the franchise had been so desperate to keep hold of him – despite mouthwatering deals proposed by other teams. The organization and GM Jacques Martin in particular, took a huge gamble in Jay-Bo and unfortunately it not only failed to pay off – but even seemed to backfire on the club – both short term and long term.

The latter consequence was losing the marquee player for a lowly 3rd Round Pick in the 2009 entry draft, whilst also securing the negotiating rights with Jordan Leopold prior to free agency. Leopold was eventually signed to a one year deal and his signing remains the one major addition to next year’s team. A flurry of other names have also come, and gone, but with the exception of local hero David Booth – and his spanking new 6 year contract; there is precious little to get excited about for Panthers fans.

To be fair to current interim boss Randy Sexton, he has probably done the very best he could have hoped to do – considering the limitations which have no doubt been placed upon his shoulders and which are out of his hands. Indeed, I have been most impressed with how he has handled himself and picked up the jumbled mess that Jacques Martin left behind him when he skipped ship a month ago. In my opinion Sexton has deserved the chance to be named General Manager on a more long term basis. But kid yourself not, this doesn’t mean that the franchise is finally set to turn a corner, rather, I would not be wholly surprised if the organization once again is forced into rebuilding mode.

Looking at our team and comparing it to fellow Southeastern Division rivals, it must be said that the Panthers look weaker this year; compared to last. This while all the other teams look like they’ve added significantly to last season’s squads. Not least our rivals across the state look like they finally have got their act together and could be set for a year of resurgence. Atlanta too – look like they might be able to compete, after a strong finish to last season and some quality additions to the formerly threadbare roster. The Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have meanwhile kept a low profile; mainly because they both believe they already have the necessary pieces of the puzzle to be successful this coming campaign.

So where does that leave the Florida Panthers in this competition?

Maybe not last in the division, because Tampa Bay and Atlanta may yet struggle with so many new signings, but certainly not first either. The playoffs seem a long long way off this time around for the Cats and their faithful. Whilst I have much faith in head coach DeBoer, I don’t believe him to be a miracle worker either and with the current roster the Panthers would need a team effort to defy the very fabrics of logic to be successful. This may well be out of the hands of both DeBoer and Sexton to provide. Indeed, if we today look at the clubs best potential starting line-up, it could look something like this:

Forwards:
Booth – Weiss – Horton
Stillman – Reinprecht – Frolik
Olesz – Campbell – Dvorak
Tarnasky – Kreps – Repik

Defenders:
Leopold – Ballard
Allen – Koistinen
Garrison/Ellerby – McCabe
(with Kulikov and Wilson as dark horses; possibly making the team)

Goalies:
Vokoun
Clemmensen

Now, there is still plenty of time to make additional signings. Especially the forward compartment seems threadbare and veteran Ville Peltonen would be tipped as one player to return once a decent deal can be thrashed out.

What strikes one when looking at this possible line-up is that it can barely be seen as better than last years. In fact, the defense most definitely seems weakened with the departures of three of last season’s top four defenders: Bouwmeester, Skrastins and Boynton.

Even the forward compartment looks lighter with Zednik departing for Russia, Peltonen not yet signed, and only Reinprecht coming in as a new signing. The goaltending compartment however, still looks like it contains one of the stronger goaltending tandems of the league. Craig Anderson was ably replaced by Scott Clemmensen and it looks like coach DeBoer again will have two quality netminders to toy with.

The one saving grace of this year’s Cats is their investment in young up-and-coming players from within the organization. Players like Repik, Ellerby, Garrison, Matthias and Kulikov are unpolished gems that could very well burst onto the scene and blossom into very exciting prospects this year – as Michael Frolik did last. Furthermore, players such as: Booth, Weiss, Horton, Olesz, Campbell, Koistinen and Wilson – may also have their best seasons ahead of them and could continue to grow in stature this coming season, whilst Bryan Allen hopefully will have recovered from injury to play an important part in the campaign.

But whilst these young and upcoming players provide an injection of energy and hope to the club and its fans, there is also a risk of pegging too much weight of expectation on their shoulders. There is a danger such a strategy could backfire unless there is a strong core of veterans and leaders in the dressing room to balance the bill. McCabe, Stillman, Allen and Vokoun will surely all be looked upon for such roles in the near future. If this is coupled with a hardy dose of patience – there could indeed be a recipe of future success in this mix.

It may however, be too much to ask for, when hoping for immediate success this coming season. Panther fans should be aware; this could very well turn out to be yet another rebuilding season for the Cats. And the franchise owners should also beware; the lack of star signings may deter people from showing up at the Bank Atlantic Center.

The line being trodden is a thin one indeed; startling success or spectacular failure – could equally be found in this upcoming campaign. While it is too early to tell which one it will be, fact is that the early days of July; has ultimately brought more apprehension than hope to hockey fans in South Florida.

It was announced yesterday in the Panthers official website that the Broadcasting teams for the Panthers’ ‘FOX Sports Florida’ and ‘Sports Talk 790 the Ticket’ for the 2009-10 NHL season has been restructured.

Billy Lindsay, previously the radio analyst, has been moved to the TV broadcasting seat – to take the position previously held by Hall of Famer Denis Potvin. Denis had been with the franchise since its inaugural season and will be sorely missed by TV viewers in general and Panthers fans in particular. Randy Moller will deal with the Radio broadcasts on his own, while Steve Goldstein will continue as TV play-by-play announcer.

The decision to let Potvin go is claimed to be a financial decision and not a reflection on his work as TV analyst. Which, from a fans point of view, and regular viewer, I would personally deem as; insightful, colorful and richly understanding of the NHL hockey historical heritage and current state of affairs.

Denis will be missed by me and many more that has grown accustomed to his quirky comments and astute perception of the game unfolding before our eyes. His honesty will most likely also be missing in future broadcasts… Billy Lindsay is a competent analyst, but has some big skates to fill.

On the Sun Sentinel website Potvin said about the decision: "It’s tough. It’s very tough," adding that he’ll be trying to look forward instead of looking back. "You come to a point where you figure you’re a lifer with a company or a group. That’s not the case anymore. I was surprised. I was not expecting it."

Neither was anyone else outside of the Sunrise Sports & Entertainment group it would seem. And looking at the comments from fans after the announcement it seems clear that, as far as the fans are concerned, they feel it was a classless/gutless decision by the organization and they are far from happy with it. Many see it as a sign of the ownerships inability to run this franchise in a respectable and successful direction. Personally; I agree.

This is very sad news for the franchise, its credibility and all the fans, who like me, have enjoyed the rich smorgasbord that Denis Potvin have been able to present to all of us at our dining room tables; as we camp out in front of the TV to see how our beloved Panthers will fare on the night.

My gut feeling is that SSE president & chief operating officer Michael Yormark and his fellow cronies have made a big mistake in letting Denis go. However, whatever the real reasons may be (was he too honest about the Panthers’ shortcomings?) I, and most fans with me, wish Potvin the best of luck in his future endeavors and hope he’ll find another franchise that is better deserving and more grateful for his vast hockey wisdom.

Just a postnote to say that Michael Yormark has met the criticism labelled here and elsewhere in the Panthers community in his blog on the Panthers official website.

The Florida Panthers’ season came to an inglorious and screeching halt this weekend. No playoffs this year either – - just another way to die…

The Cats may have salvaged some pride in their two final victories of the season; against Southeastern rivals Atlanta and Washington, but overall, nothing but the playoffs would be good enough this season – and so it was – the effort was inadequate in the end.

As predicted in the previous post it was the day of judgment last Tuesday, when the Panthers travelled to Philadelphia and came home empty-handed. What was worse was that it was the ref who gave away the victory to the Flyers, not the Floridians. It leaves a bittersweet taste in ones mouth when the officials, who it must be said have been very consistent all year in granting the Cats one disfavor after another, end up ruining the burgeoning spring.

Then again, the Florida Panthers gave away their playoff spot on March the 3rd, when all teams around us got stronger, but Florida remained the same. No wonder then that the team started to sputter and falter, immediately thereafter!

Soon afterwards came that disastrous five game home stand from which the Panthers emerged with one mere victory. That was never enough to make a concerted playoff run and the Cats had to rebound quickly against the Sabres, in the very next game. 3-1 up in the third period and then a couple of minutes of madness which saw Buffalo leapfrog their visitors and win the contest, 5-3. That was when the season died.

Winning six of the eight last games was never going to be enough as I prophesized at the time. The Panthers could only afford to lose one game, if even that, to have a chance. But losses to Atlanta and Philadelphia derailed those vague hopes. What made me feel sure the season had effectively ended after the Buffalo game was the inconsistency of the Panthers, as described in a post at the time.

The players showed plenty of resiliency all year, but consistently winning games; that was always much harder. Even when having impressive winning streaks – they always had a slip-up or two along the way – usually against the lower ranked teams; like against Atlanta down the stretch. When you look at it this way, it actually resembles more of a suicide than a death at the hands of excessively powerful playoff-race opponents. The mental scars that have lacerated this franchise, through the many years of mediocrity, run deep indeed.

Nonetheless, this season was a big step forward, compared to previous ones, it must be said. The team has a strong nucleus of players that stick up for each other and have shown increasing pride of wearing the jersey of this club. That is a good sign and a good evaluation of the job that rookie coach Peter DeBoer has done; in this his first year in the NHL.

Respect was his key word DeBoer brought with him when entering the scene this summer. Respect is also the word staring down on the players as they dress for games, and respect he has achieved, both for himself and for the club and its staff. Not bad. Not bad at all!

Whilst being critical about General Manager Jacques Martin and his deadline dealings, or rather; the lack thereof, he too has done a good job for the organization.

His hockey expertise is unquestionable and he has a calmness in his demeanor, which inspires both confidence in his ability and handling of affairs. The Jokinen deal this summer worked a charm – as especially Keith Ballard has the making of a top defender that will thrill the crowds of the Bank Atlantic Center for many years to come with his big hip-checks. Nick Boynton also did a very good job this season, but his verbal head-butting with DeBoer may have cost him a future here in South Florida.

There is also a plentitude of work awaiting Jacques Martin now that the regular season has come to a halt. The team has several UFA’s and RFA’s to either sign to extensions or let leave. The club also needs to address the difficulties of scoring from the forward lines before next season. A top forward is a ‘must have’ – preferably a top centerman to bolster the ranks. It will require a dip in to the free agent market, come July.

Also, Jacques need to think about re-tooling the Rochester Americans in the AHL. Ending dead-last in that league cannot be what the Panthers want for their top-prospects to have to endure. Preferably they should be learning winning-ways and not soaking up a losing-culture. The importance of a good affiliate in the AHL is paramount for future success in the NHL.

Some positives this season has been the emergence of rookie Michael Frolik as a top-prospect in the league. The continued development of David Booth and Stephen Weiss has been steady and the defense unrecognizably excellent – both offensively and defensively. Vokoun and Anderson were equally – perhaps one of the best goalkeeping tandems in the league.

Some negatives include the inconsistency of the team, especially the forward compartment; which has been found lacking zest and punch at times. The Panthers simply didn’t get enough contribution from the forwards to claim a playoff berth. Incidentally, another team that had similar difficulties with scoring was the NY Rangers, difference was that they did something about their ills at the trade deadline, Florida did not.

The powerplay meanwhile was woeful and simply not near good enough for a team fighting in a tight playoff race. The constant passing around of the puck, ad infinitum, rather than daring to shoot – was enough to drive anyone crazy!

It’s still a bit too early to look forward to next season and try to eclipse this one with a post-season crusade. First this one needs to be fully analyzed and then put firmly to rest. But, it will nonetheless be interesting to see what the GM and Head Coach together plan for the next campaign: Who will come, who will go? Will the Panthers finally find a way to succeed – - or just another way – to die?

To be honest I doubted we’d be here – with three games left and having a, not great, but good shot at the playoffs – yet here we are and tonight is one of those nights where things could essentially, although not mathematically, be decided.

Deciding – it would almost certainly be if the Panthers lost and the NY Rangers beat Montreal in the ‘Garden’. However, if we win – we’re still in it. But what a game to win! Away to Philadelphia… One of the toughest, literally, home teams in the league. Yes, we beat them there on March 26th, so its definitely possible, but will lightning really strike twice?

As this the final week began yesterday, some good news came to Florida’s aid as Montreal dropped a 2-1 lead and lost at home to Ottawa 2-3, in no small part thanks to Dany Heatley; who scored twice to turn the game on its head. The Habs looked all but set to claim a playoff berth, but with injuries to key defenders Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider, their powerplay has fallen like a house of cards (having previously scored 50% of the teams goals in its recent resurgence). Considering this, despite having a three point advantage on both Rangers and Panthers, the Canadiens have every right to be worried and looking over their collective shoulders.

Another piece of good Floridian news, was that Buffalo also lost at home. Perhaps more of an expected defeat as they hosted the Detroit Red Wings; who have won 16 out of the last 18 games versus the Sabres. No change to that woeful statistic as the Wings came away with a 4-1 win on the night. Detroit seemed to be in a constant powerplay as they utilized an unusual tactic by placing a player in front of goalie Ryan Miller at all times when attacking – whether 5on5 or on the powerplay. Odd, but effective it seemed as the Sabres scrambled for an answer to the unwanted offensive presence of Detroit’s power-forwards on the edge of the crease.

So, with Buffalo effectively out of the race, it’s now a three horse sprint. Florida competes with the NY Rangers and the limping, yet leading, Montreal Canadiens. It should be a thrilling rush of emotion and hockey desperation down this stretch!

And in the playoff chasing, last week of regular season, possibly no night will be of more importance than tonight.

Montreal travel to New York for a crucial head-to-head battle with the Rangers. Panthers’ fans will be hoping that this contest will finish a two point game and not a three point affair. But, whoever comes out on-top of that fight; Florida still need to take care of their own business – first and foremost. A point will be of absolute necessity, and most likely – unless Rangers lose – nothing but a victory will suffice in such a tight race. Not an easy task, but it should be enough motivation for the Cats to bring their A-game to the rink.

Shame only that the game isn’t aired on local television… but for those that have NHL Center Ice – at least you’ll have an exciting game to look forward to….

Lastly, a little note about the Florida Panthers being in the limelight as of late.

Our plight and search for some post-season action has not gone unnoticed around the hockey world. I’ve seen several articles – ranging from Canada to Sweden – that focus on the Panthers and our hunt for a playoff spot. Most articles focus on our nine years on the outside looking in, the inconsistency of the teams’ play this year and coach DeBoer’s optimistic statements that the club will make the playoffs. Meanwhile, Keith Ballard’s hipmongous-check of Evgeni Malkin is catching headlines and burning up at YouTube (see it below in previous post!)

The Panthers have become a bit of the “forgotten team” outside of South Florida, heck, even in South Florida; and suddenly people are realizing we have a hockey team here – that actually has a chance of achieving something. And more than one eyebrow is being raised, both on this and the opposite side of the North Atlantic, let me tell you!

Nonetheless, the undertone is still a bit condescending and it seems few really believe we have what it takes. With our record, one can’t help but being a bit skeptic too. We the fans, know better than any outsiders ever will, the constant crushed hopes and disillusionment that goes with the package of being a Panthers fan; and probably none is more skeptic of our chances than we, right?

Anyway, at the end of the day, all we can do is hope for a miracle – that somehow we’ll make the post-season. And tonight I’ll be holding my thumbs for a victory in Philly. Oh how sweet that would be….

Three straight and rather unexpected victories – after the preceding poor spell – have brought the Panthers back into playoff contention. It’s back to scoreboard watching! And as claimed in my previous post it is the Rangers, and not the Canadiens, we should be eyeing. The New Yorkers have the tougher schedule of the two and the shoddier form at the moment. This breakdown was confirmed yesterday as both teams were in action.

The Montreal Canadiens secured two points by beating bottom dwellers NY Islanders comprehensively 5-1. The Habs now jump into seventh, much thanks to their greatly improved powerplay – which yesterday resulted in 3 goals. Since Mathieu Schneider re-joined Montreal and Saku Koivu returned to good health; the Habs powerplay has suddenly become lethal and free-scoring. Just at the right time too!

This while the Islanders may not shed any tears for their loss against the Canadiens – after all – what’s losing a game if it hurts your worst rivals’ chances of success? Together with a third period collapse by the Rangers themselves in Raleigh, it means the New Yorkers are down to eighth – only two points ahead of the Panthers, who have a game in hand.

Florida could finally count on some help and surprisingly it came from our Southeastern rivals Carolina. The Hurricanes caught the Rangers napping in the final period and scored two unanswered goals to win the contest 4-2. The win means Carolina have won seven in a row – overall – and the last ten home games; a new franchise record.

Winning at home is what the Panthers will be seeking to do tonight. With the NY Rangers in striking distance; the game against the Atlanta Thrashers becomes all the more important.

But, here’s a warning; don’t underestimate the Georgians! They have acted as spoilers in the latter part of the season and have done it very well; scoring goals in bunches and upsetting may-a-team down the stretch. Last it was the Sabres that lost in a shootout that effectively ended their realistic claims for a playoff spot. Atlanta would love to do the same to the Cats…

So, while the Florida Panthers have been handed a lifeline by the NY Rangers’ loss, it will mean nothing if we lose tonight. It’s all hands on deck, keep shuffling those boards and pumping shots at goal!

The Cats now the secret to their own success and it is all about team-play and hard work. Step away from that proven line of success and the Thrashers will burn us, make no doubt. This is all a mental game at this stage of the competition and the Panthers need to show some poise and gusto – to pick up the spoils from this contest.

Trickier games are around the corner; Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington, so the Atlanta games are indeed must-win contests….

Coming off a terrible homestand, losing four of five games, the Florida Panthers are taking to the road. Tonight they will suit up in Buffalo and tomorrow it’s in Philadelphia; before a quick swing west takes the Cats to Dallas on Saturday before returning home. A tough schedule by any standard or time of year. In midst of a hectic, battling, playoff race – it’s do or die time. Win a couple and return to South Florida with renewed hope — or start planning the summer vacation.

To be fair the Panthers are very lucky to still be in the playoff chase. After the post-trade deadline run of defeats and goalscoring woes; the Cats are fortunate to only be two points out of the alluring Stanley Cup playoffs. Montreal have gifted us a lifeline by being even worse; losing five games in row, but yesterday they finally got their act together and beat Atlanta 6-3 (while the NY Rangers won yet again).

The misfiring Habs stars – Kovalev, Koivu and Tanguay – were pieced together on the first line and the goals duly started trickling in behind the visiting goaltender Kari Lehtonen. Alex Tanguay got five points on the night and hope was reignited amongst the centennial celebrators.

It seems the funeral eulogies of hockey’s old boy were somewhat premature. With the Canadiens now seemingly back on track, the pressure to perform is mounting on the Cats.

Florida will need to win, probably, a couple of more games than Montreal down the stretch and seeing as both teams have a mere 9 games left to play – it will be easier said than done. In fact, at this point in time, you’d have to be a brave man indeed or a blinded optimist to predict the Panthers making the playoffs this year. Yes, hope is the last to desert the true fan, but it doesn’t look good by any standard right now.

True. The Panthers have played well in their last two games, versus Columbus and Carolina, and their efforts were more deserving of four points than the one received. But the hard truth is that nearly is not good enough, neither is a very good effort or a point of tepid solace from crunch games against fellow playoff hopefuls. There is no time for losers at this time of year, no matter how well they play when losing, this is professional sports and no consolation prizes will be handed out to the teams that don’t make the post-season.

The aim was clearly to make the playoffs this year and evidently nothing else is good enough. Or why is it we kept Bouwmeester when we could have strengthened the franchise for the future? It was to win now! And it’s time to start producing…

The Cats need to keep this in mind when entering the ice in Buffalo tonight. There are no excuses. Just win. And then win again. And again. That’s what will get the playoff circus to South Florida; not mere good efforts, which are commendable, but clearly not good enough in the end. It’s crunch time and we need results, not words of false hope.