Monday Caterwaul: Panthers Open Forum
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 11:07 AM EDT
in LBC Caterwauls: '11-12
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A quiet day should be on tap, as the Panthers arrived in Pittsburgh Sunday afternoon well in advance of tomorrow's match against the Penguins at Consol Center (7:30 ET, Versus, LBC Live Game Thread @ 7).
Related: anyone catch the Pens - Oilers action last night? If you squinted hard there was a slight opportunity for witnessing 2-time former Cat Darcy Hordichuk log a very DeBoerish 59 total seconds of ice time for Edmonton (collecting no points...really) in a 2-1 shootout win. I did not squint hard enough.
The door is open...
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Not to start things off on a sour note, but I was at a rather nice Italian restaurant in Royal Palm Beach yesterday, sporting a Panthers sweatshirt (yes I do that…ask me about the time I wore a Whalers jersey to Christmas Eve candlelight services a couple of decades ago; Dad still hasn’t forgiven me).
The waiter – one of those pros who’s quick on his feet with annoying “folksy” comments – was taking our beverage order (it’s 1pm) and says “I’m guessing you’ll be needing a cocktail since you’re in a Panthers shirt,” and flashes That Look. You know the one…it says we fans are sub-citizens and loveable losers and how can you possibly keep holding on.
I asked him if he knew which of the four major-league South Florida teams had most recently won a game; he replied “The Marlins?”.
This was the very same day The Sun-Sentinel didn’t even run a “Panthers Win Opener” or even a score on the front page of the Sports section.
Lots of work to do.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
Grass roots will rebuild the fan base, not the current “court the hyper-wealthy” approach. Did the Herald or Palm Beach Post do anything for the season starting or the win?
Florida Panthers, Good Hockey, Great Sponsors!! Panthers STH since 1994 and Lightning STH since 2011.
No idea; I only get the Sentinel because they ran a children’s charity drive for subscriptions recently.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Work = Winning
SoFL is the fairest weather town in the land. When they start to win on a consistent basis the notoriety and attention will come on with a vengence!
CFS93
by chesterbardo on Oct 10, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like the only reason I get a local rag. They were giving the money to the Special Olympics and giving away a $5 gift card to the store of your choice out of like 5 different ones. I chose Target, but $20 minus the $5 gift card to the Special Olympics works for me. I don’t even know how long the subscription lasts, but I never gave a credit card and paid cash, and its been close to six months.
by MrOmnipotent on Oct 10, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Might be the same deal.
ALSO…I get the PB version of the Sentinel; don’t know if the Broward/Dade edition was any different in its coverage.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The Herald had it’s usual 4-5 page season opening special with interviews and entire team roster listed with pics and Bios.. after the win it was on the front page and NHL actually got a page and half.. The Herald is usually pretty good about covering things.. until the team starts to fade out of playoff hopes roughly 2 weeks into the season lol.
The Herald btw has gotten worse over the years, I imagine the editor had put his foot down and at times after Florida games Id find it buried on a little square on page 9 after 3 pages babbling about the heat, and the 2 previous pages ranting about the Marlins
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 10, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Just to be clear – and I think it’s painfully evident – no one is ragging on GR or Harvey, obviously.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Never said anyone wa ragging on him or anyone was just saying that it was in the herald cause he asked if it was written about elsewhere
Did the Herald or Palm Beach Post do anything for the season starting or the win?
as far as saying its gotten worse it wasnt a knock at anyone, it was more of a statement on how Id open the paper sometimes after games and only see a box score, yet have 4 pages about the heat.. about a midseason meaningless game
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 10, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately...
Perception is reality…until it isn’t.
It’ll take a playoff run into the 2nd round(not that I believe that will happen this year, mind you) before the local media begins to give The Cats ANY kind of priority, IMO. Also, the national media…aside from a few who actually see things for what they are…won’t give The Cats A SHRED of credibility until they do something significant over a 3-5 year period, IMO.
Until then, it’s just us, and ya’know somethin? That suits me juuuuuuuuuust fine.
Actually they did at veryyyyyyy bottom “Panthers win opener” or something. To be fair all the college teams lost and Al Davis had died. I predict before Thanksgiving the Cats will be center stage on the front of the Post.
Seriously Turtle, Smoke More Weed
by Mannieblunts on Oct 10, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh my bad, you said Sentinel. Either way Saturdays in fall, hard to get coverage in a football city.
Seriously Turtle, Smoke More Weed
by Mannieblunts on Oct 10, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Sadly, NBC 6 didn’t mention the Panthers at all when talkin about every major Florida university team losing this weekend for the first time since 82, Dolphins being winless, and the NBA lockout cancelling the first two weeks of games if there’s no agreement tonight. Not a word about the Panthers. I swear, I only watch the news these days for something out of Hialeah, to bust on a buddy who is a cop there.
by MrOmnipotent on Oct 10, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I gave up on the “locals” loooooong ago.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Weird. I almost never get that reaction in Broward. Usually if anyone says anything, it’s along the lines of “oh, hey, Panthers,” or they ask how the team is doing and look disappointed when I tell them not well. The one time someone gave me any crap, he was a hockey fan who was just joking around.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Wow, the Herald actually did. Top story was Greg Cote’s piece blaming both sides for the NBA lockout, with a picture from the Wade/James exhibition game Saturday night, but right underneath was GR’s piece about the Cats winning their season opener.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
NHL "Fan FaceOff Panel" recruiting again
Been on that list for 5 years and haven’t heard a peep out them since early last season, but feel free…
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
Really? I get polls all the time. Usually about one every two weeks or so.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I just re-upped on my other email account.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Watched parts of the third on the EDM PIT game. RHN just couldnt humor me and give Johnson a SO.
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 0G/1A
by RPC on Sep 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots
by Chris S Roberts on Oct 10, 2011 12:26 PM EDT reply actions
The Panthers have more wins than the Dolphins and Heat combined!
by Alexander Calloway on Oct 10, 2011 1:08 PM EDT reply actions
But nobody knows that. If the wins pile up, word will travel.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 1:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s a little good to start out under the radar, enjoy it while we can. Soon enough the word will be out that the Panthers are a winning, exciting team to watch and plenty of ‘flock’ will return.
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
Tuesday’s game is on Versus(national tv) so the opportunity is there to make some early noise, even with the Pens Cros-less.
CFS93
by chesterbardo on Oct 10, 2011 2:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
the Pens looked tired last night.....
especially the 3rd period…..They flew all night and arrived back in Pitts. at around 6 AM. …I think we can beat them………YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
The Pens will also be playing their 4th game in 6 days I believe? At the very least, we shouldn’t be outworked tomorrow!
likes our chances. so what its a home opener, means nuthin’
Seriously Turtle, Smoke More Weed
by Mannieblunts on Oct 10, 2011 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Pens did also give Malkin a rest yesterday and he’ll be back in and fresh on tuesday
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 10, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming he’s ok to play.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Yeah, the Panthers were probably already there yesterday.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Panthers signed Huberdeau to an ELC today, will spend rest of season with the Sea Dogs in the QMJHL.
Superb. Can’t wait for him to be ready in a year or two.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 10, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Hate to say it, but...
The Heat not playing will be a bigger story than the Panthers winning, both locally and obviously nationally. At least for the first couple months. If February rolls around, post-super bowl coverage, and the Heat still haven’t played a game (fingers crossed!) and the Panthers are still winning… we’ll see the attention grow.
That said. A waiter in Royal Palm shouldn’t be the barometer for fandom in So FLA ;)
A waiter in Royal Palm shouldn’t be the barometer for fandom in So FLA ;)
Of course not, but it’s a very common attitude.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Better than Living in Ocala
I wear a Florida Panthers shirt and ppl go what college is that again? People don’t even acknowledge the existence of hockey here…Well because it doesn’t exist here…Ocassionally I’ll see a Redwings fan or a fairweather lightning fan on years they’re in the playoffs…Thursday night I was watching one of the games at a bar in Orlando and the bartender asked me if I’m a Lightning fan I said no I’m actually a Florida Panthers fan he paused and was like they play up in the Daytona area right?
So typical.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, outside of Tampa, central Florida isn’t really hockey country.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
It is, whenever I wear my Panthers jersey or a t-shirt out in Melbourne or Orlando people notice and comment. It’s about the same as South Florida actually.
Florida Panthers, Good Hockey, Great Sponsors!! Panthers STH since 1994 and Lightning STH since 2011.
Oh really? Cool. My impressions of central Florida are colored by the part of it my parents live in (northwest of Orlando). I also am rarely wearing hockey gear when I’m up there.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
by John Beatty on Oct 11, 2011 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Wearing my Panthers jersey around in Aus. gets questions like ‘is that a tiger’ ‘what team is that’ etc. but enjoy it and try to get them to watch a few games and spread the love.
by pantherdazz on Oct 10, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I was asked circa 1992 at JFK in NY by a nice couple from Germany if the hat I was wearing was that of the Barcelona Dragons (it was a standard Whalers lid).
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 11, 2011 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
While I’ve got you here, PD, just want to let you know how much you are appreciated ‘round these parts. You’re presence has been integral from the start :)
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 11, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
(Sorry about that last “you’re”. You get the idea)
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 11, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
HUBERDEAUUUU
signed to an ELC, glad to just get it out of the way. call him the hell up in april when we’re challenging for a playoff spot. YES SIR!
by stopdropandbreathe on Oct 10, 2011 3:56 PM EDT reply actions
HELLLPPP!!!!!
I’m getting a new panthers home jersey… but who should I get on the back? So many options, it’s so hard! What do you think?
Booth?
Weiss?
Fleischmann?
Versteeg?
Upshall?
Gudbranson?
SO HARD!
No Kuli?
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I knew I was forgetting someone… I don’t know, I think I want to go with a Forward… But I just want to make a smart pick and not someone who’s going to get traded in two years (I made that mistake with Horton). And Butters? I’m confused…
I love Fleischmann and I think he’s the most dynamic player we have… kind of like our x-Factor. But I also think Versteeg is the man… Then you’ve got your perennial Booth and Weiss…. ahh
Campbell. He’s not going anywhere. For forwards, probably Weiss, Booth or Fleishmann are your best bets. Huberdeau once he makes the team.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Butters’. Personally, if he can stay healthy, I think that’s a jersey that can be valuable in the future as his career takes off.
by MrOmnipotent on Oct 10, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Stay hungry my friend…
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
HAHAHAHA
That is great. Honestly I think I’m fighting between Butters and Versteeg. Now I’m really unsure between those two… You guys like Fleischmann (and so do I), and then Versteeg sings!
The argument in our house is who gets the Versteeg.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I’ve got a bunch, but I got deals on all of them. Well, the Weiss replica was 10% off with my half-season ticket discount, but all my authentics were good deals. Get one and watch for sales. They do run them occasionally. This season they’ll be thin because of the new gear, but next year there may be some. Or late in the season.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Well, Maple and I are both Versteeg fans. I’ll probably let her have him and go Campbell or Upshall.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
So who gets Welch?
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Welch, Magnus Johannson.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
by John Beatty on Oct 11, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Not Butters....
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
Weaver
(Go with Booth, he’s been quite an inspiration)
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 0G/1A
by RPC on Sep 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots
by Chris S Roberts on Oct 10, 2011 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Get anyone but Versteeg he’s mine! Mancrush in full effect.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 10, 2011 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure why people in South Florida dont support the Panthers…
Especially When the MARLINS are putting out trash like this in their centerfield….
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/07/2444040/artist-rendering-of-marlins-sculpture.html
My goodness
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s nothing redeeming about that structure….Perhaps, they should wait until they have a good gimmick..
I think it IS the gimmick
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 7:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope that it is not for the Marlins sake.
by Hawkseye on Oct 10, 2011 10:50 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Maybe they can add a Tesla Coil to it….
by OldDave on Oct 10, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Vokoun having a stellar start: 2 saves on 4 shots
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
TallonCat obviously knew this was going to happen, hence the signing of Theodore :) TallonCat knows all.
End of two: 3 goals on 14 shots.
Not beating on the guy, just understandably curious.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 10, 2011 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
There goes my fantasy team :/
A lil thunder and a lil lightning is what the Cats are going to bring this year.
by trinidaddy on Oct 10, 2011 9:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Then you’ll not want to know that the the Lightning just tied it up again. 4 goals against.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
This is the last time I miss a fantasy draft. Now where’s my scotch
A lil thunder and a lil lightning is what the Cats are going to bring this year.
by trinidaddy on Oct 10, 2011 9:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I watched most of the caps game. I saw 2 goals of the 5 that should be the center fault or dmen fault for letting someone sit At the net in front of vokie. Cant explain the other 3 though….
Caps should be worried, 8 goals scored against in 2 games. So much for the revamped D of the caps…
by Hawkseye on Oct 10, 2011 10:55 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Having watched a bit of the game. His goals were of the really bad, soft, leaky variety that we used to see Vokoun give up regularly. For example, Caps players were throwing the puck on net from terrible angles, basically while they were looking at the side of the net. What they appeared to be doing was shooting at Vokoun’s legs because they were wide open and pucks were bouncing in off of his pads. Clearly they had been video scouting the guy because that was my single greatest frustration with Vokoun when he played for the Panthers.
Hockey is a business, only we fans love it as a game.
Fandom is south Florida is going to take a lot to come back. Most times local news doesn’t even show highlights of the game and if they do its one highlight. I remember when I was a kid and this town couldn’t get enough of the Panthers. Times changed so much that when my wife and I started dating 5 years ago she didn’t even know we had a team. I agree that we need a grassroots redvolution (I know, I know) to help grow the fan base again. We need people to believe again and I think we are starting to get there. Last year when I met Dale Tallon at the Panthers luncheon he told me things are about to change. Like everyone I was skeptical. He told me that the orginaization needed to gain the trust of the fanbase, or lack there of, back. So far he lived up to his end of the bargain and now its about the product living up to expectations. I don’t know about you but I am looking forward to an exciting and dynamic season. I am definitaly seeing red.
by Ad1zzl3 on Oct 10, 2011 8:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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