Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

Montreal Canadiens have been on the lookout for a new Head Coach for a while now, but that it would be Florida Panthers’ General Manager Jacques Martin that would come to occupy the position, undoubtedly would have came as a bolt out of the blue for many-a hockey fan.

Having signed a contract extension with the Panthers last may through the 2011-12 season, it would appear that the top Floridian brass, now have deemed Martin expendable and given the Habs a chance to pounce on the experienced coach. Reportedly he has signed a four year contract with his new club.

Jacques had, previous to his five years with the Panthers organization, also coached Ottawa and St. Louis. He will need to utilize all his accumulated wealth of experience when attempting to resurrect the crumbling fortunes of the centennial celebrators in Montreal.

For the Florida Panthers, Jacques exit will leave a considerable hole in the organization at a crucial point in the season. With the drafts around the corner and many players with contracts set to expire, this is possibly the worst possible time to lose your General Manager!

Florida’s owner/general partner Alan Cohen announced meanwhile that alternate governor and hall of famer William A. Torrey “will lead the search for the team’s next general manager and will work with Assistant General Manager Randy Sexton on all hockey operations as related to the draft, player trades and signings during this interim period”.

For many Panthers fans this latest development will likely upset more than one alarmbell; especially since Jacques Martin and Head Coach Peter DeBoer seemed to be on the cusp of a budding partnership, which almost brought fruition – in the form of a playoff spot – in the first attempt this bygone season.

Now Pete and the fans will be looking forward with a mixed bag of anxiety and expectations; at who will be appointed as the next Panthers’ GM.

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.

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….