Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

Panthers did well to shutout the former Avalanche nemesis this Sunday. The first win against the franchise since re-locating to Colorado on home ice in Sunrise was a reality – after three unanswered goals. In fact the Floridians dominated much of the game and it wasn’t until late in the match that the Avs made the statistics look more presentable than they really were. This game was Panther’s.

After Brett McLean finally ended his extended goal drought, against his former employer no less, Colorado never looked like they’d get anything from this game. Whilst creating some chances in the third period, Tomas Vokoun closed up shop and showed his goalkeeping skills when put to the test.

Almost of more interest, than the actual game at times, was the appalling standard of refereeing. Like so many times before the Floridians seemed to be at the receiving end of a plentitude of dubious calls. Was starting to think this only happened to Panthers or, more likely, I was so biased I could not see things straight. Then I saw what the officials did to poor Smith in the Lightning goal – in Colorado’s previous Florida fixture. Poor guy, he made a fantastically acrobatic penalty save, only to incredulously see the officials claiming (quite incorrectly as the replays clearly showed) that he threw his stick at the Colorado shooter. It was a game changing decision and Tampa lost a point due to the ref’s negligence. While Lightning sorrow may be no skin off this Cats’ nose, it does seem to me that the officials don’t like giving anyone from Florida the benefit of doubt…

Back to my point and the game at hand. Several bad calls were followed by an appalling decision from the officials. Keith Ballard made a clean bodycheck on a Colorado player. For his clean tackling effort he gets hit from the Colorado bench, yes the bench – talk about cheap shot, and from Adam Foote who put the latter where his mouth should be and pounded on Ballard. And it was not for the first time in the game either. The officials decided that bodychecks, despite what the rules say to the contrary, no longer were allowed and put poor Keith in the penalty box for two minor penalties.

When officials don’t use the actual rules of the game and start improvising their own; there seems to be something very wrong going on. And, no figure, Panthers were on the receiving end of this refereeing atrocity. Probably not for the last time either.

Still, despite the officials’ best efforts to the contrary; the Cats came away with two important points. The Western influx now continues with a rare visit from Nashville tonight.

After two solid games in goal, Vokoun will surely be up for this game against his former team. Meanwhile Jassen Cullimore rests a knock to his hand and Noah Welch steps in to the fray. Anthony Steward will replace Tarnasky in the line. No doubt a blow to Nick who until very recently was a Predator player himself and surely would like the chance to show his metal to the former employers. His trading partner Wade Belak, will be back in town, and the Cats will do best to tread lightly around the big man. You would assume he has a point to prove as the Panthers upturn coincided with his trade away from the club.

The greatest threat this time around, comes however from within. Looking forward to a two day Christmas holiday mini-break, there is a risk the Florida players may not be 100% focused. If so, Coach De Boer will no doubt be quick to point out their duties to them in no uncertain terms. He is never afraid to shake things up; as he has shown repeatedly so far in to the season with great effect. Panthers have fought themselves back in to contention and must keep the pressure on Carolina, Washington and the others in the division, and the conference, for that all-important playoff spot. The Christmas goodies will no doubt be much sweeter if Panther pick the cherries on offering tonight…

Here’s for warm holiday wishes – in Sunrise tonight!