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Rusty Olesz and Bryan McCabe each had a goal and an assist, Tomas Vokoun held the fort (really!) with 41 save, and the Panthers' playoff dreams hopes live on another day.

Forget all that. The key to this game was Keith Ballard, professional Superman, who, well, did THIS:

 

 

One for the ages there. And being in the crowd, the crunch was electric; one could literally "hear" the sound barrier broken as Malkin's legs cartwheeled.

Sidney Crosby freaking out was simply icing. This boy does not like the Florida Panthers. By the end of this calendar year he may well have worked his way through the entire Cats lineup. Get some.

Anyone who argues the validity of the trade which was in essence Jokinen-for-Ballard hasn't winessed Bally's game-altering physical play. The stuff that makes hockey fans.

Coach Pete had 'em ready to fly tonight. More to come Monday.

 

LITTER BOX LINERS

• Sun-Sentinel
• Miami Herald
• Palm Beach Post
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
• AP via NHL.com: game recap/stats/video
• Sports Club Stats: Panthers playoff run
• Panthers website
• Penguins website

THE FAR REACHES OF THE BLOGOSPHERE

• PensBurgh (PIT) an SBNation blog
• Panthers Message Boards (FLA) best on the 'net
• Cat Scratch (FLA)
• Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
• The Pensblog (PIT)
• The Confluence (PIT)