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…

According to ESPN and TFP, the Chicago Blackhawks have fired General Manager Dale Tallon. A statement will be made later today to announce the fact, together with the promotion of Assistant GM Stan Bowman as the new GM.

Update! It is now being reported that Tallon has been reassigned to be a senior advisory of hockey operations instead.

Dale Tallon was appointed General Manager on the 21st of June 2005 and oversaw the drafting of young talents such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, whilst also making expensive plunges on the free agent market; acquiring players such as Nicholai Khabibulin, Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet.

He was also the one responsible for steering the Blackhawks away from the doldrums. When he arrived in town, Chicago only managed 65 points over the course of his first season in charge, whilst in his last campaign, the club totaled 104. Moreover, the team progressed as far as to the Western Conference finals; where the Hawks were finally stopped by rivals Detroit.

Tallon was then surrounded in controversy this summer, when making the high profile signing of Martin Havlat from Detroit and tying the star winger to a massive 12-year contract. Whilst this would normally be a reason for celebrations, Dale received criticism for placing the clubs future in jeopardy. The reason being that star players such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith are all to become restricted free agents next summer – and question is if the Hawks will have the Cap space to resign them all. That is, unless someone would be willing to take on the massive contracts of Cristobal Huet or Brian Campbell, which many analysts seriously question.

A second reason for controversy was the failure to notify pending restricted free agents of qualifying offers before the deadline. Dale sent the offers out in mail, which however is not the proper way to handle affairs. The players association filed grievances against the club, but everything was finally resolved as the Blackhawks re-signed all the players in question; including Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker.

According to TFP sources, this embarrassment was the "clinching blow". ESPN meanwhile doesn’t agree: "It may have had little to do with Tallon’s firing" they state and think an ulterior motive was to rid the franchise of a GM that was appointed prior to the current President John McDonough; and Dale simply wasn’t part of the plans for the revamped organization. If this latter explanation holds up, it is possible that Dale Tallons number has been up for some while and the saga of failing to notifying agents simply was the excuse to fire/reassign him from the GM position.

Last summer’s appointment of legendary coach Scotty Bowman, certainly was a sign of new things to come and speculation was rife back then that Dale would soon be shown the door, so that Scotty’s son, and long-time assistant GM – Stan Bowman, could take over the reins. It seems that today that scenario has finally come to fruition.

Stan Bowman has for the last 10 years been at the club as an Assistant GM and has primarily handled contract negotiations, collective bargaining agreement issues and free agency. Considering these are the areas of contention, currently within the franchise and in the media, questions must be raised as to the wisdom of this selection.

Certainly, Stan will have his hands full this coming season – one that could shape the long-time future and stability of the club. Success or failure – bust or boom – we shall soon see….

In hindsight it seems I was not far off in my 1st Round predictions. A couple were spot on, whilst the ones I missed were tellingly the close series’, especially the 7 game ones were I picked the wrong game 7 winners on both occasions. Nonetheless, undeterred, perhaps even a bit encouraged, I shall here make my Conference Semi Final predictions too. So let’s start on the home front, in the East, where two Southeastern teams are holding the divisional flag high – despite its many critics (notably in the North)…

East

Boston Bruins vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes have done very well to even be in this position, but question is: Can they do it again? Beating New Jersey in those closely fought seven game battles was impressive; I for one would have tipped the Devils to make it to another Stanley Cup Final, but the Carolinians obviously had other plans. Boston meanwhile made short shrift of the drunken centennial celebrators north of the border and swiftly disposed of its sorry corpse (can’t help but think the Panthers would have put up a sterner test for the Bruins than the Habs did).

Anyhow, Boston remains the Conference favorites and seems like a solid team without any real flaws, certainly none that has been obvious so far anyway, and the Canes will find it difficult to upset the buzzing B’s. It could still be a tight series, but I’m guessing most of the juice is gone from the sons of Raleigh and that the Bruins will be the main beneficiaries of that tight series against the Devils. It could even be a sweep, but the Carolinians are too good on home ice for that surely?

My Bet: Boston wins the series 4-1.

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

This should be a real dogfight and a series as close to impossible, as is possible(?), to predict. If however, as I think it will, this series goes all the way done the wire; the Penguins could have an edge in the fact that they played two games less that the Capitals in the opening round. Indeed, I think this may eventually tip the balance and present Pittsburgh with another crack at the not so coveted Conference Cup.

And in the name of consistency, (I didn’t, afterall, think the Caps would see off the Rangers in that seventh game), so I guess my hands are tied: The experience gained from last year, the superstars at their disposal and the extra rest from the first round will perhaps be enough to see the wobbly Penguins grab a spot in the Conference final. Yet, I have a feeling I might just be dreadfully wrong about this one… I guess we’ll see soon enough…

My Bet: Pittsburgh wins the series 4-3.

West

Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim really impressed when they saw off the President Trophy winners in the previous round and will now set their sights on the reigning Stanley Cup Champions from Detroit. Could it be another upset on the apple cart? Probably not…

The Detroit Red Wings showed their credentials when sweeping the floor of the Columbus New Jackets, and the players showed they have another level to reach in the playoffs, compared to regular season sludge; not least the experienced goalie Chris Osgood. There is plenty of pedigree in the Anaheim locker room also, but you need depth they don’t have to beat the Wings in a potential seven game series. It’s not enough with two superstar blueliners and a few other odds and ends to bypass Zetterberg, Datsyuk and C/O. It won’t be another sweep, but I’d be surprised if the Ducks pick up more than a couple of games from this battle.

My Bet: Detroit wins the series 4-1.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

As I predicted the Canucks made short shrift with the young Blues team, but the youngster from Chicago will pose a sterner test. Having seen off the brutes from Calgary, the Blackhawks have shown themselves to be legitimate contenders in their own right. Both teams have exceptional goaltending to fall back on and this will likely be a thriller series all the way. Perhaps the slight edge in experience that players such as Mats Sundin bring to the table will be that crucial extra ingredient in the end?

Remains to be seen what wins this series for the victorious team, but if I have to pick one… it would have to be the Canucks. Home ice advantage and some added veteran leadership makes them seem like a slightly healthier contender than the Hawks of Chicago. It will be a much anticipated series however and one worth watching more closely as it evolves and progresses.

My Bet: Vancouver wins the series 4-3.

A mere few minutes prior to the first puck dropping in anger, in the Stanley Cup 2009 Playoffs, I shall dare a preliminary prediction of what will unfold in the first Round of 16. Ready to eat my words in a week or two; here is my initial bet:

East

Boston vs. Montreal

What a match-up! Two rivals going head-to-head in the first round. Montreal celebrating 100 years; whilst Boston celebrates winning the Eastern Conference, this year. It will most likely be a tough series with sparks flying. However, Boston has, in my view, the upper hand both when it comes to physical strength and overall quality – and last but not least – goaltending.

My bet: Boston wins the series 4-1.

Washington vs. NY Rangers

Will the offensive prowess of the Capitals trump the gritty grinding Rangers down? I think that this will be a game that goes all the way down the wire, but the New Yorkers superior goaltending in the form of Henrik Lundqvist may very well be the difference in the end.

My bet: NY Rangers win series 4-3.

New Jersey vs. Carolina

Two teams similar in many ways and with plenty of tools to make a concerted run in the playoffs. However, one of them must be eliminated and odds are it will be fellow Southeasterners Carolina which is forced to fold in the end. Considering both sides have superb goaltending, it will be many close games, probably with a few overtime victories that will be decisive. My guess is that the Devils have the extra manpower and grit to grind down the Hurricanes.

My bet: New Jersey win series 4-3.

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia

A resurgent Penguins side should have the quality to see of a Flyers side that lack either good goaltending or a solid defense. Too many penalties from their aggressive style brand of hockey – could also be costly if the Pittsburgh superstars are given too much room to operate in. Pittsburgh is a dark horse in this year’s Stanley Cup and will be a threat to anyone in the East anyway. Should be able to see off Philadelphia rather comfortably in the end – although it may hurt along the way…

My bet: Pittsburgh win series 4-1.

West

San Jose vs. Anaheim

Probably the one team the Sharks didn’t want to meet and the one they could have problems seeing off in the end. The power of a resurgent Ducks’ side is not to be underestimated. Although, I can’t quite see the President Trophy winners being eliminated in the first round, they could come too close for comfort.

My bet: San Jose win series 4-3.

Detroit vs. Columbus

So, Columbus finally made it to the postseason, aye? Well, hope they enjoyed the ride up until this point; because it’s likely to be a case of “here, but no further”. The reigning Stanley Cup champions should, despite a shaky penalty kill and goaltending, have enough juice to see off the Jackets. Might be a spill or two along the way, but this should be one for the bank.

My bet: Detroit win series 4-1.

Vancouver vs. St. Louis

Like their fellow Central Division foes Columbus, St. Louis will be thrilled to be in a playoff at all, but are unlikely to progress – despite an impressive end to the regular season. Could be a premature closing stage for the Blues, after a mere four games played, but that would be too cruel wouldn’t it?

My bet: Vancouver win series 4-0.

Chicago vs. Calgary

This is likely to be the most interesting game from a neutrals perspective. Chicago are a young up-and-coming side that have done exceptionally well to get this far and in the manner they have achieved their success. Calgary made the biggest splash on transfer deadline day by acquiring the old Panther captain Olli Jokinen. Whether he’ll be the Flames’ answer to playoff success I’ll leave unsaid, but at least the guy gets to play in the playoffs once… Would expect the grit and strength of Calgary to be the tipping point somewhere along the road in this series, question is if skill and style can overcome muscle hockey and cause what, despite ranking, must be seen as an upset. I don’t think so, but I hope I’m wrong…

My bet: Calgary win series 4-2.