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Poll: Does LeBron's presence in South Florida market help or hurt Panthers?

There've been whispers in the past few days regarding the alleged harm and devastation mega-star LeBron James will bring to the Miami Heat's regional sports competition.

Ok, well, just the Panthers. "'Phins to Winnipeg!" hasn't quite crossed the wires yet. But I'll check Twitter one last time.

Will his presence - along with the acquisition of Chris Bosh and re-signing of Dwyane Wade - spur a Cats relocation to Hamilton (gonna throw a saucy language warning on this, BTW)? That's perhaps a bit of a stretch; no reason exists to believe a successful hockey club can't share a market with a winning basketball team. Even this funky market, as shaky and bandwagon as it has understandably proven to be in difficult times, undoubtedly has the room and dollars to spare. And of course we're including the Dolphins and Marlins in this discussion. The Fish are getting a new bazillion-dollar stadium, and the NFL club will always be above the fray.

Each is a singular entity which overlaps the other three; the amount of overlap certainly varies, and if a prototypical - and entirely theoretical - South Florida sports fan was asked to rate the four clubs in order of preferrence, the Panthers are undoubtedly going to be at the aft end of the rankings.

But that's fine; they don't need market domination to survive. Just an ingrained ability to compete hard, win six three times more than they lose, and give the folks an honest effort every night (a postseason splash is, without question, an extraordinarily critical aspect). As long as Dale Tallon's doing his job (and oh yeah, coach Peter DeBoer), the crowds will grow despite the TMZ-style madness in Dade. And they can have it.

For the record, the Cats had their own other-worldly presence in the form of Pavel Bure, but surrounded by nothing, the club went nowhere. Hockey's an entirely different animal than hoops, so let's leave him out of the argument.

Disclosure: I am not a prototypical South Florida sports fan; I'm a hockey guy first and last. I respect the existence and popularity of the others but still find them foreign and unapproachable. Just stubborn ole me.

Anyway, on to the poll (and once more, check out Dave's fantastic Heat coverage at Peninsula is Mightier)...

Poll
LBJ: locally helps or hurts the Florida Panthers...
Helps: a superstar player - from any sport - has a kickback effect which elevates all of the region's teams
78 votes
Hurts: No way the Panthers can top this, namewise. Given the ticket choice, on-the-fencers will unquestionably go Heat
91 votes
LeBron who?
45 votes

214 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 33 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Who is this Lebron you speak of? Never seen a name like that in hockey.

by keithwozniak on Jul 8, 2010 9:56 PM EDT reply actions  

You are so patently unfunny it hurts my insides…

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

I tell ya, every time I see that puke picture I can’t help but laugh uncontrollably

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, and that puke picture looks awfully similar to my reaction to that Melt Your Face Off article about the Panthers being doomed…

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

They were just having some fun at our expense. Cats aren’t going anywhere, geographically.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was on the floor for a week when I first saw it, circa 1996. There was more to it, but that is now lost to the ages.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Paul Maurice didn’t think much of it when I presented it to him at Tickets in Avon. Can’t blame him.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

BTW, saw you in a video up on the Panthers site about the Duffy’s draft party, I’m in the video too, but all you can see is my hands clapping behind Stanley as he’s dancing after Tallon announced Gudbranson.

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:31 PM EDT reply actions  

Must’ve been my comments about “DeBoer” and “short leash” that had me expunged from the verbal record.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

You know, I had to watch the video a second time to realize that you didn’t get to say anything in it…

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

I did, but it wasn’t carried through. Which is fine with me. Think I went all ballistic about the Francis-Cullen trade.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

s’all right. BTW, just in case anyone is interested, River City Sports has Cats 3rd jerseys on sale for 59.99. If anybody wants a jersey but didn’t want to spend into the trip digits for one, you might want to check it out.

https://www.rivercitysports.com/US/details-06.cfm?sku=146880

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ahhh…but we’re all waiting for Paetsch to take a number.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Let's face it

Stadium or no, the Marlins are always at the bottom of the heap. Even when they’re winning, it seems like no one cares.

South Florida is a big place. Cats are the only major league team in Broward. This may be where the weird geography helps more than hurts. I know as much of a hassle it is can be to go to a Panthers game on a weeknight, it’s far worse trying to get to a Heat game.

Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.

by John Beatty on Jul 8, 2010 10:35 PM EDT reply actions  

+ freaking 1, Johnny.

Panthers are the easy-access kings of the tri-county area, ’cuz not everyone lives in Miami. Cats draw from as far north as Jupiter on a regular basis 41 nights a year. None of the others can boast that type of regular reach.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 8, 2010 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

+1

I was about to say something similar, I honestly am not worried about this at all. Imagine what it will be like to have two competitive pro sports teams in South Florida.

by JDMorris on Jul 8, 2010 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions  

Chicago will tell you...

… both basketball and hockey and co-exist.

And based on the crowds we’ve had at the UC this season: hockey is winning.

by HockeyBroad on Jul 8, 2010 11:27 PM EDT reply actions  

err, “can co-exist”.

darn typos. :)

by HockeyBroad on Jul 8, 2010 11:28 PM EDT reply actions  

To summarize:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

by Donny Rivette on Jul 9, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions  

Not that I care one whiff about the NBA, but I most certainly do empathize with fans of losing limited post-season success-style organizations.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 9, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions  

I can see it both ways

He could take all the focus and the average person will go to see The Heat instead of the Panthers, or it will bring focus to the whole area.

looking back MJ did nothing for the Blackhawks

by Rickfansince76 on Jul 9, 2010 4:29 PM EDT reply actions  

True on MJ, but the Hawks were in the 92 Final with JR, Belfour, etc; some marketable names.

by Donny Rivette on Jul 9, 2010 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

BTW

Dan Gilbert also owns the company that makes Fat Heads. They are now selling Lebron Fat Heads for $17.41. They are regularly around $100. Ironically, 1741 is the year Benedict Arnold was born. Honestly, how many times do owners and GMs dump players who have played for their teams(sweat and blood) for years because they think they are too old or there is a better player they can get or that player has asked too much. Gilbert should calm down a bit. But it is funny.

by RivetteSGR on Jul 10, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions  

The 40 of you who dont know who King James is can kiss my ass.

2009 NY Phin PhansFantasy League Champion
2009 Best Regular Season Record in NYPPL.
2010 The Jim Mandich NewsFlash Award Winner.

""It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress"

by Patssuck456 on Jul 13, 2010 11:49 PM EDT reply actions  

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25 - 17 - 11

Won 1

Southeast Standings

GP W L OTL PT
Washington 53 28 21 4 60
Florida 52 24 17 11 59
Winnipeg 55 25 24 6 56
Tampa Bay 52 23 24 5 51
Carolina 55 20 25 10 50

(updated 2.9.2012 at 9:25 AM EST)

Florida Panthers Roster

# Pos. DOB W H
Krys Barch 21 RW 3/26/1980 237 6-1
Sean Bergenheim 20 LW 2/8/1984 200 5-11
Matt Bradley 22 RW 6/13/1978 201 6-3
Brian Campbell 51 D 5/23/1979 189 6-0
Scott Clemmensen 30 G 7/23/1977 203 6-3
Keaton Ellerby 4 D 11/5/1988 220 6-4
Tomas Fleischmann 14 RW 5/16/1984 192 6-1
Jason Garrison 52 D 11/13/1984 216 6-2
Marcel Goc 57 C 8/24/1983 202 6-1
Erik Gudbranson 44 D 1/7/1992 195 6-4
Ed Jovanovski 55 D 6/26/1976 221 6-3
Tomas Kopecky 82 RW 2/5/1982 203 6-3
Dmitry Kulikov 7 D 10/29/1990 196 6-1
John Madden 10 C 5/4/1973 190 5-11
Jacob Markstrom 25 G 1/31/1990 178 6-3
Shawn Matthias 18 C 2/19/1988 216 6-4
Mikael Samuelsson 26 RW 12/23/1976 218 6-2
Mike Santorelli 13 C 12/14/1985 190 6-0
Jack Skille 12 RW 5/19/1987 215 6-1
Tyson Strachan 23 D 10/30/1984 215 6-2
Marco Sturm 16 LW 9/8/1978 194 6-0
Jose Theodore 60 G 9/13/1976 185 5-11
Scottie Upshall 19 RW 10/7/1983 200 6-0
Kris Versteeg 32 RW 5/13/1986 182 5-10
Mike Weaver 43 D 5/2/1978 186 5-9
Stephen Weiss 9 C 4/3/1983 193 5-11

Florida Panthers Injuries

Probable

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Jose Theodore knee 02/09/2012

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Ed Jovanovski hand 01/17/2012
Marco Sturm knee 02/02/2012
Scottie Upshall sports-hernia 01/25/2012
Jack Skille shoulder 01/24/2012
Dmitry Kulikov knee 01/22/2012
Jacob Markstrom knee 01/08/2012

Managing Editor/Founder

Dr_lbc_small Donny Rivette

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Newavatar_small John Beatty

Skrudland_small Ryan Meier

100_3256_small Chris S Roberts

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72488_1648302053590_1418112790_1689932_3489331_n_small Alexander Calloway