Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and especially to Ville Koistinen that just cleared waivers…

Despite being waived, he’s going to be spending Thanksgiving here in South Florida rather than in Rochester of the AHL; for the time being anyway.

Question is however if the Panthers won’t be putting him on re-entry waivers soon—so that another NHL team can pick him up on a Black Friday sale perhaps.

Poor Ville…

You have to feel sorry for the guy. Despite signing a two-year $2 million deal with the Cats in July, he was never really given a fair chance. After all, we must keep in mind that he played all his 17 games for the Cats out of position. And playing as a forward is not easy for a defenseman, with a few rare exceptions.

However, life is tough sometimes and coach Peter DeBoer was not happy with Ville and his contributions to the team. And, if you don’t have the confidence of the head coach, for whatever reason, well, then it’s probably better to move on anyway.

We’ll see what the fate will be of Koistinen. But, one can’t help but wonder if this move was not only made to make room for the big enforcer Steve MacIntyre to be recalled, but perhaps also to accommodate some valuable cap space for a trade?

I know the Panthers have been mentioned in connection with our next opponents on Friday: The Toronto Maple Leafs.

We have previously seen teams come to town and then trades being made just prior to or after the game. The Leafs are, according to several reports, looking for a trading partner and perhaps Florida hold the bait for a deal to be hashed out?

I don’t want to fume the trade talk more than necessary, but if I were GM—and we are all no doubt blessing the fact that I’m not—I’d be one of the five teams or so reportedly looking at LW Niklas Hagman right now.

We know the former Panthers draft pick from 1999 well, he knows South Florida, and seeing as our regular top three left wingers—Booth, Stillman, and Campbell—are all out with injuries, it might make some sense in acquiring another left winger that could play on the top lines.

Hagman has already 15 points on the season for the struggling Maple Leafs. That would make him tied for third in scoring with the Cats, who could certainly need that kind of help in the scoring department.

The Leafs would be loathed to lose one of the few players they have that is playing well, but throw in a draft pick or two, perhaps a medium-range prospect to sweeten the deal, and Toronto’s GM Brian Burke might be willing to consider the offer.

I might add there is no current rumor out there suggesting this or any other trade is possibly in the offing, however, I do find this idea intriguing and would be interested in hearing what people have to say about it.

I know Hagman wasn’t a big hit when here in South Florida a few years ago, but like many other players he has developed into a solid NHL player after leaving the club.

Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity, with Toronto being in a problematic situation, to get Niklas back here to show what he can do for us now that he’s matured.

What do you think, deal or no deal, what would you do?

Being of a more skeptical nature, I didn’t jump on the whole third jersey bandwagon, which is why this blog is probably the only one not to rave about that much vaunted unveiling which occurred on Monday, at the game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.

To me it seemed like a superfluous money-making scheme that failed to hold my interest for more than the required minute or two to write about it.

Nevertheless, many-a Panthers beat writer were caught up in the hype.

No one more so than George Richards of the Miami Herald however.

After at least six articles (as many as I could be bothered to count, even less read) on the subject from Mr. Richards, one can’t blame Panthers’ fans for being fed up already with the jersey talk.

Most seem negative about the jerseys or a bit skeptical at least. The color scheme is different from anything previously seen in South Florida. The baby blue doesn’t convince many fans either.

Richard meanwhile, is ranting about the FLA on the shoulders—more than anything more closely related to the game of hockey—in his extensive coverage of the third jersey issue.

Personally I was, of course, skeptical to the whole question of new third jerseys to begin with. However, I’m not one to jump any grousing bandwagon either.

In fact, despite my early cynicism—I must admit—I like these new jerseys.

Yes, they are different color-wise from anything we’re used to. But, isn’t that the whole point with third jerseys anyway?

I like the shades of blue, and the sun with FLA running through it, is actually surprisingly cool.

Anyway, that’s how far I’m willing to get involved in this minor “controversy”. I like the jersey. The Reebok people showed some balls in stepping away from the mold and trying something different for the Panthers.

My only grievance is that the jerseys look far too much like the Penguins’ third jerseys…

Nonetheless, let’s leave all that happened Monday behind, not least that sour ending against the same Penguins, and focus on tonight’s game instead.

The Florida Panthers and New York Rangers always serve up a juicy Thanksgiving dish and I would expect no less in tonight’s encounter.

The NY Rangers are two points ahead of us in the standings, despite our win in the Garden, and hence this is an important game for both teams in the playoff race.

Yes, it’s early to talk of a playoff race, but in a time of league parity, it’s never too early to win important games.

Whilst the Panthers sneaked out from Manhattan with a W in the column, the Rangers still bossed the Cats around for much of the second half of that game. The sheer physicality of John Tortorella’s charges—caused a lot of problems for Florida.

Likely because of this, the Panthers have decided to add some grit, size, and power, in the form of Steve MacIntyre.

Recently claimed on waivers from Edmonton, the 6-foot-5, 260 pound left winger, was then sent to Rochester to get in game shape. Two games later and he’s been called back to South Florida to stand up for his new teammates against the powerful Rangers.

Falling into the “big brute” category of hockey players, Steve will be counted on to bring something quite different to the Cats’ lineup: Sheer physicality and a heavy punch or two.

Other Rochester call-ups, namely Kenndal McArdle and Victor Oreskovich, have brought some much needed grit to the team; but MacIntyre’s contributions are likely to be on a level above what they bring—if you know what I mean…

Considering the circumstances, I think this is a great move from the coach Pete DeBoer. And hopefully, Steve can shove the stuffing to that insidious coward, Sean Avery.

Update! Not only is Ville Koistinen scratched for the game, but he was also placed on waivers at noon today according to the Panthers’ official website.This could mean that MacIntyre indeed is here to stay in South Florida, and not just called up to meet the physical Rangers and Maple Leafs this week. Shawn Matthias meanwhile is also here to stay and will play tonight.

In a shocking turn of events, the Florida Panthers lost another two-goal lead in the third period, to then be punished by a controversial double-minor penalty in the ensuing overtime by the Penguins.

Referee’s Greg Kimmerly and Kevin Bollocks, sorry; Pollock, with much help from intervening linesmen Tony Sericolo, and Mark Shewchyk, conspired together to hand the victory to their Penguin brethrens in black and white at the game in Sunrise.

The visitors from Pittsburgh didn’t need another invitation, or the entire four minute man-advantage, to cash in on the dodgy call.

Sidney Crosby collected a loose puck in front of the net and tucked it away behind the brave Tomas Vokoun in goal; who to that point had almost single-handedly kept the Cats in the game after a late surge from the visitors.

The play that would be foremost on everyone’s mind was the appalling actions by one of the linesmen.

A minute in to the overtime, the Pittsburgh defender Brooks Orpik checked Nathan Horton in the back well after Horty had released the puck. That would qualify as an interference one would think, right?

But no: The linesman, in all his wisdom, decided to but in and call the penalty—on Nathan Horton.

The Florida Panthers’ forward, the by far dominating offensive player of the game to that point, was sent to the box for four minutes.

Apparently it is now illegal in the NHL to be checked in the back by an opposing player and subsequently fall to the ice.

Let’s call it a high sticking and pretend that the fouled player, checked in the back and falling to the ice, actually has the semblance of means to control his stick in this instance.

In these new directives, apparently sent to the linesmen just prior to this game, they are to be vigilant of any players falling to the ice as the result of a blindsided check.

Obviously that kind of behavior cannot be tolerated by the NHL and shall henceforth warrant four minutes in the penalty box—to the player fouled that is—not the one delivering the foul naturally.

So well done linesman! I’m sure Gary Bettman will reward you handsomely for that brilliant call, and of course; for giving Sidney Crosby the chance to star in another game.

After all, if we are to sell this game to those who have no interest in the sport—we must have our fix stars in hockey. And we all feel Sidney, poor fellow, deserves a few extra breaks in life don’t we…

Seriously though, I have nothing against Sidney or the Penguins, but I see no reason for the referee’s to give them any extra favors either. They are good enough to stand on their own two feet.

Panthers fans are rightfully p*ssed and feel robbed of a sporting chance to win this game.

This latest referee meltdown is likely to reignite not only the discussions of poor overall refereeing, but also the long-held belief that the refs favor the teams from the north.

I’m not one to believe in conspiracies, but fact is that Florida is the subject of one dodgy call after another. If there is any resemblance of a penalty to be taken, no matter how iffy the call is, you can be assured it will be made.

And if you don’t believe me and think this is just a crazy idea emanating from Southern Florida; then take the time to ask the Tampa Bay Lightning what they think of the referee’s calls in their games.

Conspiracy or not, it does seem clear that the Florida teams, Panthers and Lightning, have no “luck” with the referee’s.

And considering this, it is sometimes hard not to think that the refs do in fact favor the northern teams.

After all; the refs come from these regions, the traditional hockey markets, and if they feel what most people do in those areas—well then they do not like the idea of hockey teams playing in the Sunshine State.

If that is the case, then there is a built in bias from the get-go and it is hard to imagine that this would not, even if on a subconscious level, have an effect on the calls that the refs make.

Anyway…

The game is over and there is not much point in keeping on harping about the refs and the bad calls. Despite this dark cloud on the NHL horizon there are still some positives to take out of the game for the home side.

Florida played some good hockey and should have expanded the lead in the third at the score of 2-1. Two shots hit the post behind Fleury and had either gone in; then no amount of dodgy calls from the refs could help the Penguins salvage anything from this game, surely.

And even in defeat, it must be admitted that one point isn’t all that bad.

Pittsburgh is the defending Stanley Cup champions for a reason, and yet, once again the Cats showed themselves able to go toe-to-toe with the champs.

That in itself bodes well for this season.

The Panthers have certainly turned things around and look poised to make a push for the playoffs.

All players are finding their stride—although none more than the trio of Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Tomas Vokoun—and they have now gelled and look more and more solid as a team overall.

There is communication on and off the ice, the tails are up and the confidence growing on an individual level with all players on the roster.

And now that everyone has bought in to head coach Peter DeBoer’s system—they are starting to develop an identity as a hardnosed team that will give anyone a run for the money; including the champions.

Like the title says, it really was one heck of road trip by the Panthers.

Not only three games in four days, but the Cats also visited some of the tougher places in the league to grind out a victory in: Buffalo, Detroit, and MSG—New York.

Florida now have four straight victories on the road. Winning these three games: 6-2, 2-1 (OT), and 3-2.

The fourth victory came in Boston (Nov. 12), when the Panthers won 1-0 after a shootout.

It seems the Cats enjoy being on the road…

Perhaps that is due to the team’s tactics being favorable for road games.

Playing defensively responsible and gunning on the counter seems to be the melody for Florida.

When playing at home on the other hand, a home-crowd dictates that the Panthers go out and try to take the game to the opponents; a tactic that leaves holes in defense. And ultimately, a tactic that does not seem to suit this team as well.

However, the confidence that the felines form must be generating throughout the team—ought to help the players elevate their game when going forward as well. At least that’s what we’ll be hoping; seeing as the Cats now play the next three games in Sunrise.

The Penguins on Monday, Rangers again on Wednesday, and the resurging Maple Leafs on Friday—will give the Panthers ample opportunities to hone their home game and tactics.

For a while it seemed that Florida where already out of the playoff race, after the opening 12 games of the season, but since then the Cats have come on strong and are now 7-2-1 in their last 10 games—and a mere point behind Tampa Bay in eighth spot of the Conference.

It must be said that results went Florida’s way yesterday. Not only did the Panthers beat the NY Rangers 3-2, but many teams above us lost points as well: Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, NY Islanders, NJ Devils, and Buffalo; all lost their respective games.

That is news well received here in South Florida as fans again are starting to believe in this hockey club again.

Tentatively at first perhaps, but if they keep on playing the way they have lately, there is no reason not to hope we can make a genuine playoff challenge again this year.

Sooner or later, our time—another year of rats—must come again, right?

Well, what do you know; miracles do happen!

Slamming Scott for his underperformances up to date—apparently did the trick.

He came out with a hunger in his belly to prove me, and all the rest of us doubters, wrong. And could he have done it in a better place?

Going to Hockeytown USA and leaving with two spanking new points for their troubles…

The Cats must be purring this morning as they get ready to face the Rangers in a tough back-to-back match-up.

Credit is due to Scott.

He really did step up and filled in that previously leaky five-hole of his and practically cemented the Panthers goal line.

And make no mistake, he was tested: 40 times to be correct.

Henrik Zetterberg stormed through several times, but was ultimately denied by Clemmensen. Only a Pavel Datsyuk powerplay goal in the second period slipped by Scott.

And frankly, if you give the Red Wings three clear cut chances in front of goal, on the man-advantage, something is bound to slip in.

The Cats came out with a defensive frame of mind in the first period. No doubt worried about Clem, after the goaltender had had such a slow start to the season, and the focus was on playing simple defensive hockey and helping the goalie as much as possible.

Florida was badly outshot in that opening period, and ultimately lucky not to fall behind, but took the intact score sheet to the second period with renewed confidence.

Knowing now that Clem could do his stuff when called upon, the Cats surged forward and were perhaps unlucky to lose the period by the lone goal from Datsyuk.

However, as many times before this season, the Panthers remained unfazed by being a goal down and could tie the game in the third period—courtesy of a fine link-up between Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss.

Horton out-battled Zetterberg behind the Detroit goal and threw a pinpoint pass to Weiss—who had wide open net at the back post—to shuffle in the equalizing tally.

Filled with confidence, it was then the same pair of felines that set up Captain Bryan McCabe for a big slapshot in the ensuing overtime. McCabe shot an unstoppable puck past Chris Osgood—and then it was off to seventh heaven for the Cats.

They’ll have to come down quick however, as they today face a tough Conference foe in the NY Rangers at the MSG. And they will do so without one of the Florida players that’s been playing best of late: Cory Stillman.

Stillman went down with a knee injury against Detroit and “will be out for some time”. Pete DeBoer will call up a forward from Rochester to fill Cory’s skates, rather than trusting Ville Koistinen for the job.

It remains to be seen if the Panthers can take a bite out of the Big Apple tonight, but either way, the future is starting to look rather more promising for the fans and team as they are finally finding some hockey chemistry.

The Florida Panthers are now back to .500 and have gone 7-2-1 in the last 10 games. In addition, we are now a mere three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning; who currently sit in eighth spot of the East. The NY Rangers are ninth—also three points ahead of us.

That makes tonight’s game all the more important.

Tomas Vokoun is expected to be back in goal for the contest. But now that we are starting to see the real Clemmensen perform; Tomas might be getting more nights off in the future. And considering the tight schedule—that’s definitely good news for the team as a whole.

Scott really did do a good job of Clam-ing up the Panthers goal and was very stingy when it came to letting go of any rebounds.

Now that’s the kind of play we want to see from the big man!

Clem the Clam—it has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

The Florida Panthers travel to Hockeytown to play the Detroit Red Wings who, despite a slow start, has posted a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games. The Cats too have a good 10 game streak coming on; posting a 6-3-1 record in their last 10.

However, this is the Red Wings we’re talking about. A team that boasts the likes of Datsyuk and Zetterberg and recently mauled the Columbus Blue Jackets 9-1.

They then disappointingly lost their last home game to Dallas 1-3 and will thus be motivated to get their mojo going again against us.

So, with this background coach Peter DeBoer takes a hard long look on the schedule and decides to put Scott Clemmensen between the pipes…

Yes, the same goalie that called out his teammates after letting in 7 goals against Washington—whilst still remaining positively philosophical about his own poor performance.

And yes, the one and the same goalie that posts a 5.13 GAA.

So, this is the goalie you decide to go with against one of the most high-powered offensive lineups in the NHL, Pete?

Well smack me and call me Judy; I think we just threw in the towel for this one!

There must be something here I don’t understand.

To investigate we shall dive into the complex inner workings of the head coach and the cerebral ongoing that must have preceded this shocking decision.

OK, ready? Let’s delve into the unknown…

Hmm, Tomas Vokoun has been playing a lot lately and very well too—or I would have been quick to pull him otherwise, and he’ll eventually need a rest. But does it necessarily have to be tonight against the Red Wings?

No, I guess not. Vokoun is a workhorse and thrives when playing as many games as possible and being worked hard in those games—which is why I sometimes instruct the boys to let the shots rain down upon him.

It is still early in the season and he could definitely play both tonight and tomorrow against the Rangers if need be.

However, he will need a rest sooner or later I suppose and Clemmensen is probably, to some extent anyway, playing so poorly because he hasn’t played much hockey for a long time.

If he’s ever to get better—he needs games—and seeing as he has a big contract it would look bad for my boss if he never got to play.

Fair enough. Clemmensen needs game practice and Vokoun will need to rest at some point. But why tonight?

Well, after Detroit we have Conference foes NY Rangers (twice) and Pittsburgh Penguins in line. And if we are to lose any of these four games I’d prefer it to be against the Red Wings; seeing as that wouldn’t impact our improbable bid to make the playoffs as much as losing points to teams in the East would.

OK, that sounds good!

We forfeit tonight’s game, although token resistance must be upheld for appearances, and then blow our steam in the upcoming games instead. Brilliant!

Also, if Clemmer makes a crapper of the Detroit game as well, we can always pull him after a couple of early goals and put Vokoun in there to steady the sinking ship.

And who knows, maybe the boys will feel sorry for Clem and decide to outdo themselves and salvage something from the Joe.

That is not my main goal here, but miracles do happen and at this point I’ll take any point I can get—whilst still remaining realistic and not really expecting too much.

That will make anything gained a bonus!

And who doesn’t like being rewarded when they least expect it!?

Scott Clemmensen thinks he might have found another reason why his GAA is as high as 5.13...

OK, so that wasn’t the inner workings of DeBoer, gee, I do wonder what gave me away…

Anyywaaay!

I’ll file this away into my new little rants and sarcasm folder and hope for the best tonight.

I try, I really do! But sometimes it’s just so hard to remain positive and hopeful when it comes to the Cats. We win a few games and suddenly I’m expecting the roof to cave in on me. I just can’t help it.

I think I might need help.

Panthers’ fans haven’t been spoiled with top-end offensive performances from their team this season. And there was nothing to suggest it would be different in Buffalo as the Cats took on the outstanding Ryan Miller and his Sabres last night.

However, the Floridians have been playing better of late and collected 11 out of 16 possible points in the previous eight contests.

Only against Washington had the Cats been defeated in regulation time, albeit in two straight games.

The Panthers also had a score to settle with the Sabres; who had come to South Florida and embarrassed the Cats a month ago at the Bank Atlantic Center. The visitors effectively won that match in a 5-1 first period drubbing.

Since then the Cats have slowly started to find their feet and their game is improving despite the occasional setbacks—such as the one in Washington earlier this month (4-7 defeat, despite leading 3-2 when entering the third period).

The defense in particular is looking more unyielding and robust.

The defensemen are now standing up at their blue-line, making less costly turnovers, and are also helping out the goalie by limiting the shots on goal.

Equally, the offense has simplified its approach.

The forwards are being responsible defensively and going more north-south, rather than east-west, when attacking the net.

In addition to the overall simplifying of individual duties, and the more direct approach on a team level, it must also be said that some players in particular are starting to step up their game.

In defense, Keith Ballard is starting to dish out those punishing hits more regularly; Dennis Seidenberg is looking solid and blocking shots; whilst Bryan Allen is starting to find his game again—after having been injured most of last season.

In the offense; players like Rostislav Olesz, Michael Frolik, Stephen Weiss, Cory Stillman, and Nathan Horton, are finding their way back to good old ways after a slow start to the season.

Then of course, there is Tomas Vokoun…

The Czech goaltender looked decidedly off at the beginning of the campaign, but has since grown in stature between the pipes.

Now that he’s finally being supported by the defense, we can see the real Vokoun starting to emerge.

And the goalie that denied Craig Anderson a starting job in Florida is looking better and more unyielding for every game played.

Apparently Tomas has been working very hard during the off-season to try and improve his game—and now he’s being rewarded for that hard work.

What’s especially impressive with Tomas is his positioning ability.

Vokoun is as best when he can step up at the top of the crease and just cut off all angles for the shooter—and simply lets his powerful body do the job for him. And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

The defense is then there to help him out with any tricky pucks that might come loose—or as in the game in Buffalo—a forward might even come down to make a crucial save (Rostislav Olesz).

That certainly hasn’t always been the case, but now that this infant team-symbiosis is developing in Florida, the Cats and their fans are the main beneficiaries.

In Buffalo last night the goaltending, defense, and offense, all worked together to grind down the Sabres in their own building.

To their credit, the Florida players didn’t get fazed by Buffalo drawing first blood, but rather kept plugging away until they were rewarded with the equalizer just before the first intermission.

Somehow that goal seemed to deflate the home side as they looked decidedly shaky in the second period.

The Cats then capitalized on a rare Ryan Miller howler and took the lead through Stephen Weiss. It is not often the Sabres netminder makes mistakes; so you’d better take advantage when they come your way.

Perhaps the shock of Miller’s gaffe resonated through Buffalo, but despite only trailing by one goal through much of the second and third periods, it always looked more likely that the Panthers would score the next goal—which they also did.

The home side was then gifted a brief reprieve and a glimpse of a comeback when they cut the lead to one with a late powerplay goal. It was not to be however, as the Cats got themselves a rare powerplay tally—to restore the two goal parity.

In the end the Sabres threw in the towel and Florida could put some gloss to proceedings by scoring two more late goals to pave the way for a comprehensive 6-2 victory on the road.

Next will follow another stern test as the Panthers roll in to Hockeytown on Friday and then set up camp at the MSG on Saturday.

Both Detroit and the NY Rangers will fancy their chances, but the Cats have found their feet and will hope to continue their streak on the road.

While this was a—by and large—positive performance and step forward for Florida; the fans will nonetheless remain grounded.

We have seen too many good performances followed up by one letdown after another, to get too carried away this time.

Besides, did I mention the next game is against the Red Wings?

The Wings may not be flying as freely as previously in the hockey heavens, but they still pack and impressive punch and come loaded with a fearsome one-two that entails both Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

The Cats will need to be on their toes for that game; especially as Detroit lost last night at the Joe (to Dallas, 1-3) and will be looking to bounce back quickly after having previously gone 7-1-1.

All too often have South Floridian hockey fans seen impressive play by the Panthers on one day—to then find our hopes of resurgence trampled upon—in the very next games.

While I hope the players can rejoice today in that impressive display I Buffalo, they must also be aware that there is no resting on their laurels this campaign. One win and a few points strung together, doesn’t make a season.

What this team desperately needs is prolonged consistency.

Can you spell that, Cats?

C-o-n-s-i-s-t-e-n-c-y

I know it’s a long word and all—but if this team is to ever move up the standings and make a credible playoff push—the players needs to master that word and its implied implication (I know that’s saying one thing twofold, I just want to make sure the point hits home).

The win in Buffalo, and the roaming offense displayed, is encouraging for sure: I just hope we can get this type of game-play ingrained into the walls of this club, rather than it being the occasional occurrence.

I don’t mean to get all wordy and verbose on you guys, but try and incorporate that word into your collective vocabulary. OK, Panthers?

And try to refrain from the use of sarcasm, please.

Yeah, I know…

The Los Angeles Kings made a rare stop in South Florida and handed the Panthers an equally rare shootout loss Monday evening, defeating the Cats 4-3 in the end.

However, this is not what created most of the buzz in Panthers-land on this particular night.

The murmur in Sunrise was more surrounding the reshuffling of the Florida ownership than the game against the Kings.

Stu Siegel and Cliff Viner will now replace Alan Cohen in the Chairman’s seat.

Cohen will remain as a minority owner in the franchise, but the reins have now been firmly handed over to the Cliff & Stu combo instead.

Alan Cohen took over ownership in the summer of 2000, and remarkably, the club never made the playoffs even once during his nine year tenure.

Hence, many Panthers fans have equated Cohen as some sort of evil spirit—only able to make one poor decision after another.

People close to Cohen say that he deeply cares about the franchise, to the contrary of what most fans would make you believe. But either way, his record does speak for itself: It’s been a prolonged nightmare in South Floridian hockey since the day he took over.

It is likely that fans will rejoice in Cohen’s withdrawal from the hockey scene—and hope that Stu Siegel and Cliff Viner will do a better job with this franchise.

There is a good base for hockey here, as the heyday of 90’s clearly showed, but the many years of mediocrity have in many instances turned fans against their own team and management in particular. Or, they’ve simply deserted the cause due to severe disillusionment.

It will thus be no easy task for Cliff & Stu to change the tarnished image of the Florida Panthers around.

However, if the Cats need a role model, they need look no further than to Chicago and the Blackhawks.

The Hawks went through a similar barren spell of mismanagement and poor results, but thanks to new leadership, new ideas and a successful rebuilding through the draft in particular; Chicago once again have a team to be proud of.

And as a direct consequence, Chicago fans have returned to the arena.

The Florida Panthers need to follow that same path.

Obviously the Blackhawks are an original six club and the support for the sport of hockey in the Windy City has deep roots.

Florida clearly does not have any such roots, and so the challenge here is even greater as the club needs to actively try and convert people to the sport of hockey. And they need to do it in a jam-packet sports market; with all major sports well represented.

There is a razor sharp competition for the South Floridians’ sport-dollars; so it’ll be no easy task!

Nonetheless, it’s not impossible either.

All it takes is some success. Easier said than done perhaps, but with such fierce competition—success is what is required to flourish in this market.

America loves a winner. That is a fact. Just look at Pittsburgh, Washington and Chicago, for clear-cut examples of how success can revitalize a hockey market.

But on the other token—America deplores a loser.

It might not always be said aloud, but secretly many will feel revulsion toward the apparent weakness of a losing side. For too long now the Florida Panthers have been found on this side of the all-important divide.

So, in order for Cliff & Stu to change the direction of this franchise—from the long slippery downhill slope that it’s currently perched upon—sporting success will be the priority.

To create a winning team and a winning mentality throughout the organization is the key to gaining success—and this will be the challenge for Cliff & Stu to try and provide.

Fortunately they seem to not only have their hearts in the right place, being hockey fans themselves and local businessmen at that, but they also seem aware of both the potential and pitfalls within the franchise—which need to be addressed.

In an open letter to Panthers fans, Cliff & Stu present themselves and their leadership style in the following words:

“As local owners who live and work in the South Florida area, we are committed to developing a winning culture within this organization, something we haven’t had over the past few years. In addition, we will bring a stronger measure of accountability and accessibility to this franchise immediately”.

They go on to take a letter from head coach Peter DeBoer book upon the importance of accountability as well:

“We believe in letting people do their jobs – from the general manager and the head coach down to the players themselves. By the same token, if the right decisions are not being made and we are not achieving our goals as a franchise, then it will be our job to hold people accountable for their actions”.

That will be welcome words for Panthers fans. But, at this stage, words won’t suffice; we want results!

The goal of the club going forward was outlined in the following way:

“Our goal is to build a hockey team that can sustain its success year in and year out, by building through the draft and minor leagues, and by making the right decisions in trades and free agency”.

We hope that will be the case.

But it’s not through a lack of trying that this approach has so far failed in South Florida—it’s a lack of understanding of the game. Consequently one bad decision after another has been made throughout the years.

I know for a fact that many Panthers fans are worried about the influence of President and COO Michael Yormark in particular. And I say “worried” with ample sense of understatement.

To the best of my knowledge Yormark is an accomplished businessman that does well in the commerce part of operations. That is not the worry. It is rather that his influence weighs too heavily when it comes to hockey operations as well.

There is a great danger in having businessmen think they can run a sports team despite their lack of understanding in the finer details of the sport itself. Hopefully Cliff & Stu will let GM Randy Sexton and head coach Peter DeBoer run this part of the organization without too much tampering or superfluous restrictions from above.

The owners should set the framework and take overall responsibility for the franchise; instill a winning mentality throughout the organization, keep people accountable, but yet also let those employed get on with what they know best.

It sounds from the open letter that Cliff & Stu understand their role going into this challenge. However, the real challenge—will not only be to live by those words—but also to sculpture action out of those words.

For now the words bring hope, but at the end of the day, it is results that the new owners will be judged upon.