Retrieved from the home club's dressing room floor at the Bell Centre...

As I wrote yesterday, it was a back-and-forth, playoff-style game with a frenetic and at times furious pace. Fun to watch, but for the final score. And even then you couldn't walk away dissatisfied.

DolPhanDave, who had quite a frenetic day himself, has a terrific in-depth rundown in the FanPosts on the right.

DIVISIONALLY SPEAKING

The Lightning finally have their first win in Atlanta in two years, as the Bolts' Mike Smith closed the door on 27 shots and Martin St. Louis scored two goals to beat the Thrashers 4-1. Tampa Bay has now jumped Atlanta in the division standings, claiming a tenuous hold on fourth place. Thankfully, we did not have to endure another Washington or Carolina victory...since they didn't play.

None of the Southeast teams are in action tonight, though the sinking Penguins at Rangers should provide a bit of interest; with a win, the suddenly 44-point Pens would overtake Buffalo for the coveted 8th spot in the conference. Pittsburgh currently leads the Panthers by two points, though trail the Sabres by one. Let's go, Rangahs...

 LITTER BOX LINERS

• Miami Herald: Cats lose in shootout, blog: more McLean/Crosby
• Sun-Sentinel: Andy stays course
• Montreal Gazette: Halak breakdown
• Le Journal de Montreal: Markov something something
• AP via NHL.com: game recap/stats/video (and what video!)
• Panthers website
• Canadiens website

FROM THE BLOGOSPHERE

• Cat Scratch (FLA)
• Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
• Eyes on the Prize (MTL)  An SBNation blog
• Four Habs Fans (MTL)

NEXT UP FOR THE CATS

Gonna be lotsa love for Big Bry tomorrow. 

Fan-and media-favorite Bryan McCabe make his triumphant return to Toronto as the Maple Leafs host the Panthers; Tuesday, 7:30, FSN.