The Cats' Jassen Cullimore reacts to Sunday's NHL scoreboard.

Yuck. Or something similar.

No. Help. Whatsoever. That is what Florida received from around the conference last night. But brighter days are ahead, as the Panthers take on the Penguins - winners of six straight - at the Igloo. Yeah!

Nothing less than fully earning a playoff spot is what's ahead. And I'm pleased that is the case.

Years ago in Hartford, Whalers fans were more often than not handed a playoff spot thanks to the tremendous suckiness and matress-like performance of le Nords. With Quebec miles outside the post-season picture, The Whale could begin printing playoff tickets in December. Outside of 1987, they never really earned it.

Thus, it's refreshing to see a gunfight in the conference which hopefully continues to the end. The ups and downs have been startling.

Unfortunately for Cat afficionados, Pittsburgh, Montreal, and the Rangers won last night, tightening up the bottom eight to a razor-thin one point. Nuthin's easy.

Anyhoo...what's on tap tonight and who to pile on the hate, on a quiet evening in the Eastern Conference:

• NYR (76p) @ CAR (75p), 7pm (Versus). It's just this type of matchup that burns holes in fans' stomachs. The Hurricanes are coming off a nine-goal outburst on Saturday, while the New York is 3-1-1 under John Tortorella. W4E say: This is brutal. No matter the outcome, Florida (76p) will lose the 6th spot. Should make for some fantastic hockey, though...

JM brings his ever-present smile and sunny demeanor to Florida's west coast.

 General managers from across the league will be carousing in Naples from now through Wednesday. Had I the opportunity - and the notice - I would have headed over and stalked the hotel. A bourbon and water with Brian Burke could be sweet. More to come on the meetings later.

LITTER BOX LINERS

• Sun-Sentinel
• Miami Herald
• Palm Beach Post
• Mirtle's From the Rink: Playoff Push
• Sports Club Stats: Panthers playoff chances
• Panthers website

 THE FAR REACHES OF THE BLOGOSPHERE

• Panthers Message Boards, best on the 'net
• Cat Scratch (FLA)
• Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)