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Panthers likely set at center for 2010-11

Thursday's acquisition of veteran center Marty Reasoner assuredly wraps up the question of who the Panthers will be sporting at center ice, at least to begin the season:

Stephen Weiss - Steven Reinprecht - Shawn Matthias - Reasoner


Rome wasn't built in a day, and nor will a contending Panthers squad. On that note, sorry kids...Dominic Moore will not be making a triumphant return. Honestly though, it's not a bad lineup down the middle for a rebuilding club:

  • Weisser's coming off a career year in goals, doubling his output from 2008-09 to 28, but here's the stat that carries weight: he still managed 60 points after the combined losses - especially on the PP - of David Booth and Nathan Horton (71 man-games in the toilet). That's a grande feat considering last year's Cats. Potential wingers: Booth, Michael Frolik.
  • Rhino played all 82 games, at which 38 points may appear a bit underwhelming, save for a few hot streaks when combined with Cory Stillman. Regardless, ten of those points came on the power play, and the possibility of his combining with a consistent core of uninjured linemates is intriguing. He's not getting younger, but the right mix of supporting players would certainly help matters. Potential wingers: Christopher Higgins, Rostislav Olesz.
  • Matty gained credibility with his strong second-half play; though not necessarily garnering a gaggle of points, his physical presence on the ice increased dramatically, SOG rocketed up, and regular observers could see the maturation process at work; more ice time will only better his opportunities. If he continues at the same pace Reinprecht could find himself manning the third line. Which is, of course, the end game. Potential wingers: Radek Dvorak, Stillman.
  • Reasoner's no enigma here: having spent the past two seasons with Atlanta, he's not a stranger to the Cats' coaching staff (what remains of it). What would be strange is an ability to replicate the 30-point season of 08-09 playing with the likes of Kenndal McArdle and Byron Bitz, though many see, not unreasonably, far more potential down the road in all three players. He's got a boatload of games behind him, is well respected around the league, and wins faceoffs. Potential wingers: the aforementioned, plus any combination of Michael Grabner, Steve Bernier, Mike Duco, Michal Repik, Evgeni Dadonov, and a virtual cast of half a dozen others.

Dollarwise, that's a collectively bargain basement bill coming in just short of $7.1M (U.S., per CapGeek). For four centers. Cheap? Unquestionably. Wise? Considering the genuine "rebuild" phase Florida finds itself in...yes. None of the organization's prospects at center are anywhere near ready for the big club.

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I’ll give you this much Donny , your the ultimate optimist. Outside of Weiss who is a lower #1 or really good #2, the rest are very below the league average

by Fan4pan on Jul 25, 2010 1:30 PM EDT reply actions  

Straight up. Agreed on Weiss, but the rest are what we’ve got to work with.

On a “better” team, Rhino’s a solid #3, Matty’s slowly earning his playing time, and Reasoner’s loved around the NHL for his effort, work ethic, and whatever it is he brings to “the room”.

Years ago I dealt with a Hartford team that foisted the likes of Andrew Cassels and Terry Yake on fans. Believe me, we’re in far superior shape.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 25, 2010 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yake—Yikes….Well, to show how long I have been following hockey, my Dad took me to my first game and Forbes Kennedy had a fight with Moose Vasko. That was before the painted ads on the boards, when the organ was king. Now they play loud rock and roll music to make you think that a bad game is great. Just think of all the crickets you would hear during one of those stellar games between the Cats and Islanders

by Fan4pan on Jul 25, 2010 6:37 PM EDT reply actions  

I hear ya. Started out with WHA. Really miss the lack of hockey at hockey games thanks to the NBA-zation of the league.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 25, 2010 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

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Southeast Standings

GP W L OTL PT
Washington 82 54 15 13 121
Atlanta 82 35 34 13 83
Carolina 82 35 37 10 80
Tampa Bay 82 34 36 12 80
Florida 82 32 37 13 77

(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)

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