Florida Panthers Liners': Thrashers (somehow) show Panthers they're not ready for The Game, Cats lose 3-1

by Donny Rivette on Apr 3, 2009 10:31 PM EDT

Full big-time credit to Coach Pete, but perhaps next season is more realistic...

Final - 4.3.2009	1	2	3	Total
Atlanta Thrashers	0	1	2	3
Florida Panthers	0	1	0	1

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Couldn't beat a non-playoff team. On home ice. We're perilously close to Hartford Whalers territory here. Discuss if you must...

OK, I'll discuss. Witnessed was a professional team not nearly prepared for the challenge ahead of them. Yes, the Thrashers were the "challenge", but the visitors met it and laughed it away, like some sad joke from a bad movie. It was written in stone before the game began; one could see it clearly prior to the first puck drop.

The Florida Panthers most likely kissed off their miniscule playoff hopes this evening. I'll save the kudos designated for an overly-successful organization for another day. One of the dubious responsibilities of holding court over a blog of this sort is writing the team's obituary.

As we fans soak this up, shower in it, and wipe it squeaky clean, I only wish to proclaim, from my makeshift soapbox, that the Cats had every bit of talent and coaching to make the postseason. A bit more consistency and the boys in blue (or white) would be clinging to the fourth or fifth spot.

Could they have gone far? Most likely not. But one never knows. There are a few proven winners among this squad - well, Stillman - and who's to say what he may accomplish in the dressing room at a most opportune moment.

Is "opportune" a word? So what if it isn't.

Bottom line: Panthers lost, and with all due respect to the opposition, they should not have. George Richards of the Miami Herald said a week ago that the Panthers don't deserve a playoff spott if they crumble under Thrashers weight.

They did, and he's right.

Jonesed.

Sun-Sentinel
Miami Herald
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
AP via NHL.com: game recap/stats/video
Sports Club Stats: Panthers playoff picture
Panthers website
Thrashers website

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Cat Scratch (FLA)
Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
Blueland Chronicle (ATL)
Blueland Blog (ATL)
ThrashersBlog (ATL)
The Anonymous Atlanta Thrashers Blog (ATL)

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Comments

C’mon, Atlanta has played pretty decent lately…

I commit sins everyday but I never give my soul away

by sleza on Apr 4, 2009 4:53 AM EDT reply actions

not an excuse, not for us....

doesnt matter who we play…games like last night, a playoff team would find a way to win.

Now we have to hope the rangers lose today, then lose at least 1-2 more, and we still have to win out.

Vokoun back in on sunday…?

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by David Dwork on Apr 4, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes they have, but Florida – by the numbers – should be far superior.

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by Donny Rivette on Apr 4, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Back to depending on the failure of the Rangers to make the playoffs.

Going to base my trip down to the Panthers v Penguins game on whether the Rangers win or lose today – I’m just not excited about backing into the playoffs.

by coasterg on Apr 4, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

First the Canadiens invited us to take their spot, now the Rangers are asking us to move into their place. Even though we probably have to win out, or at least get a point in every game. Rangers lost today. It’s win or pack it up tomorrow. Vokoun is back in, too, btw.

by Stanley C. on Apr 4, 2009 3:53 PM EDT reply actions