Cats Recap: Panthers close out Lightning in 3-2 shootout victory
by Chris S Roberts on Oct 15, 2011 11:41 PM EDT
in Florida Panthers Game Recaps: '11-12
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In front of a sellout crowd of 18,352 fans, the brand new Florida Panthers didn't disappoint. After a 'back-to-reality' loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, a win was needed to reignite the fire in a Panthers club expected to make waves at home. No problem for Jose Theodore. It took 65 minutes of hockey plus 3 rounds in the shootout to squeak past the Lightning, but in the end two points is two points and the Panthers advance to 2-1-0 on the season. Although the Cats may have caught Tampa Bay in a tough position after two debilitating losses, give them credit; under no circumstances should Florida beat the Eastern Conference finalist Tampa Bay. And given last year's roster, this game wouldn't have been a win. Yet three new additions came together to defy the odds and lead the team to victory.
You want a statement win to build chemistry? This game was the exact definition of one. Even though beating the Lightning hasn't been difficult over the years for whatever reason, the Panthers had to work hard for the win. The defense had to be(and was) stellar holding the Lightning to just 30 shots through 65 while keeping Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier off the scoresheet. Jose Theodore had to stand on his head through regulation and kept Tampa's big three scoreless in the shootout. The entire team kept mistakes to a minimum and smothered most of Tampa's scoring chances. Tonight was a great win for team morale a chemistry building.
More after the jump.
Recap:
After the pregame ceremonies for the start of South Florida hockey(finally!), the Panthers started out in stark contrast to how they started against Pittsburgh. Although Tampa Bay is comparable with Pittsburgh, you could tell immediately Kevin Dineen had been working his team to measure up better with the difficult opponent. 3 minutes in Ryan Carter earned himself another dumb penalty (3rd in 3 games) for roughing up a Lightning player, giving Tampa an opportunity to start the period on top. This wasn't to be as the Panthers stayed perfect 9-for-9 on the penalty kill. At this point, you could sense some momentum shifting to the Panthers favor, and when Mattias Ritola took an elbowing penalty the Cats needed a goal. Again, it wasn't meant to be as this time Tampa kept their 100% PK streak alive, but it wouldn't last for long. Dominic Moore would crash into Jose Theodore a few minutes later, and Ed Jovanovski would score his first Panthers goal in 12 years on the resulting powerplay, assists to Tomas Kopecky and David Booth. The Panthers would enjoy a total of 4 powerplays in the first period and numerous odd-man rushes, but Jovo's goal would be the only score after 20. Panthers 1, Lightning 0
The Panthers would start out shorthanded on the carry-over from a late Jovanovski penalty from the first period, and with that penalty killed, Florida would be the last team to be perfect on the penalty kill (the Devils allowed a PPG to the Predators earlier). Both teams would exchange chances throughout the early part of the period but neither could make much noise. Given the defensive issues the Lightning have had in the last few games, this was exactly what Guy Boucher wanted; a stay-at-home, defensive period. After Jack Skille was up-ended by Marc-Andre Bergeron, Steve Downie and Erik Gudbranson dropped the gloves for some good-old face smacking. Though I never saw the fight, Randy Moller and Sid Rosenberg were impressed with Gudbranson for holding his own against a tough opponent in Downie. Both players would receive 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct, 5 for fighting and a 10 minute game misconduct (edit: Gudbranson would also receive an instigator penalty). Two minutes later Moore would take his second penalty for tripping but despite Stephen Weiss's huge chance off the pad of Mathieu Garon, the Cats simply couldn't convert. At the end of the second, the Panthers were dominating shots 29-16, but a lowly 1-for-6 on the powerplay left them hanging on to a precarious 1-0 lead.
The third period started the way the other two had; slowly. In fact, that's the story of the entire game--defensive play and great goaltending. But after continuing this style of play for 10 minutes into the third, something had to give, and it sure did. Bergeron would send a shot past a screened Jose Theodore to even up the score at 1 (assist to Moore). The Panthers would come alive after the goal with a few rapid-fire sequences on Garon to no avail, at that point Garon had turned away 32 of 33 and was hungry for a win. 6 minutes later, the game would be tied yet again, this time the score being 2-2 thanks to Kris Versteeg on the powerplay (from Dmitry Kulikov and Brian Campbell) and Bergeron yet again (from Pavel Kubina and Martin St. Louis). That would be the extent of the scoring in the third as each team would receive a point heading into overtime. Panthers 2, Lightning 2
Fast forward another 5 minutes to the shootout where the Panthers would ice Versteeg, Marcel Goc and Tomas Fleischmann. Tampa would ice St. Louis, Stamkos and Lecavalier. Versteeg's shot would be saved by Garon, St. Louis' shot was stopped by Theodore. Goc slipped the puck under Garon as he attempted a poke check, resulting in a goal for Florida. Stamkos would be stopped on his backhand attempt, Flash missed the net and Vinny was kept out by Theodore. Boom, Cats win. Panthers 3, Lightning 2
Observations: Pardon my lack of specifics, but I wasn't able to find a feed to watch the game and see the players, so general observations will have to do.
- Tonight's win can be chalked up mostly to a great showing by the special teams. the Panthers went 2-for-7 on the powerplay against a then-perfect penalty killing team while 3-for-3 on the penalty kill. The Panthers are still a perfect 100% on the season.
- It's hard to win many games only scoring 2 goals, but so far that's all that's been needed for the Panthers two wins. Jose Theodore has been solid so far, but at some point he has to cool down. Let's just hope the offense can gain some momentum before that happens.
- You hate to see the Cats just sit back on their laurels entering the second and third periods, especially when the margin is only one goal. This has been a problem for years though, once this team consistently powers through the entire game we can seriously talk about playoffs.
- I understand defending one's teammate, but Erik Gudbranson can't cripple his team by sitting in the box for long periods of time, especially as a defenseman. There is a reason you don't see defensemen playing the enforcer role, it's because the team needs a 6th defenseman more than a 12th forward. Calm down young man, others will drop the gloves in your stead.
- With tonight's win, the Panthers move to 3rd in the Southeast division.
Also, another resounding thank you to Flamingo Tracks Promotional Products for all the help making the Litter Box Cats opening night suite a success for all. These guys are your go-to source for any and all of your promotional needs.
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“In front of a sellout crowd of 18,352 fans,”
There was no way it was sold out. At least 1000 empty seats
No-shows. Sellouts are based on ticket sales not physical attendance, no sellout truly has a fan in every seat.
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 15, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I guess youre right on that!
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 16, 2011 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t call it a sellout since I could see tarps over some nosebleed seats. It looked like the back third of four sections on the shoot-once side were Party City advertisements.
There’s a sellout and there’s a sellout. One means the building is full, one means enough tickets have been sold to hit the number that the team and the league have agreed is the hockey capacity. Guess which last night’s was.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I’ll not knock the organization for announcing it as a sell out. People will read the papers and hear that it was, maybe then on another night they’ll shell out $25 to come check out what’s going on. Fill the building for real. I can be in support of that :-)
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G1A update!
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
Oh, I’m not knocking it, just explaining why they call it a “sellout” even though there were empty seats/tarps down. It’s a real issue having one of the biggest buildings in the league if you can’t fill it consistently. You can go on about Winnipeg all you like, but I think their capacity is still 2,000 under ours with the tarps, and something like 4,000 without. At full capacity, we’re the 7th biggest building in the league. I think they managed to get the league to agree that if we hit something like the average size is a “sellout.” So, we have to hit 18,000 instead of 19,250.
It’s all about the revenue sharing, which is tied to the percentage of the building full not to the number of people in the building. If you look at Tampa and Edmonton last year based on the percentages, it looks bad. The Oilers averaged 100% attendance while the Lightning averaged just 87.4%. But the Lightning have an even bigger building than we do and averaged 400 more people a game than the Oilers did. The Oilers had the second smallest building last year.
Another thing to keep in mind, though snarky people like to overlook these sort of facts: The Panthers, at 22 in league attendance last year, still averaged more people per game than the MTS Center in Winnipeg actually holds.
"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 16, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry JB my comment should have been under Jimmy. I didn’t think you you were knocking the org. Wholly wow for the info…
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G1A update!
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
the snarky people would also remind you people in places like Winnipeg are filling their building at much higher ticket prices. I could have gotten four panther tickets for $30 the other day if I had my wallet with me. That doesn’t happen in Winnipeg as those same snarky Canuckleheads would be quick to point out.
Nothing wrong with having rivals but It would be nice if we could all just enjoy the games and bicker about what goes on on the ice and support hockey as whole instead of bashing teams in other markets. It may not have been a “true” sellout but over 18K in the BAC is a good sign and good for the NHL. I’ve said before and I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face, put a consistently good team on the ice and South Florida will become one of if not the best of the Sunbelt markets. The fans are here and instead of being ripped should be applauded for drawing numbers that may seem low to outsiders but are actually pretty decent for what has been essentially a decade of AHL caliber hockey.
by Todd Little on Oct 16, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I know. I’m just saying that empty seats don’t tell the whole story. I could also mention one city hasn’t had a team for 15 years and the other’s team hasn’t made the playoffs in 11. That’s going to make a huge difference in ticket prices. Ticket prices for the Sabres dropped like crazy the couple of years they weren’t winning, because it was the only way to get people in the building.
I only mention Winnipeg because their building is so small. A better comparison is actually the Oilers, because they’re been as terrible as the Panthers the last couple of years, though they’ve made the Final a lot more recently. Their ticket prices are even higher than Winnipeg’s and still draw more than the Panthers, though not by a lot.
But the point is: if you have more seats, then you have more empty seats with the same amount of people. 15,000 in Winnipeg looks like more than 15,000 in Sunrise because the arena in Winnipeg only has around 15,000 seats. I wasn’t picking on Winnipeg, their capacity just made for a nice argument. The truth is that the Jets are always going to get outdrawn by most of the league, on the basis that their building holds fewer people. That’s not a criticism, it just is. The same is true of the Oilers, at least until they can get a larger building, which might possibly happen soon and of the Islanders, which may happen some day before we all die, but I wouldn’t count on it.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
from what i recall i think the thrashers new arena seats around 15k. which is about what Miami arena sat.. we sold out just about every game in Miami because of that.
As far as announcing it as a sellout, when the seats are covered they’re not available for purchase which is basically as if they’re not even there. The empty seats USUALLY belong to STH who didnt go for whatever reason. There were very few if any seats available for purchase yesterday as I left for the game and they go off of ticket sales not actual attendence.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 16, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Man, what an exciting game tonight. I was on the Jumbotron in the third period in my Skrudland jersey and Miami Hurricanes cap (with my dad flashing the U too). We also watched the fight break out in our section, 120. We had a great angle on Steeger’s goal too.
And I absolutely loved when the team came out to salute the fans at the end too. Also, the three stars of the game screw up might be the funniest thing I’ve ever seen after a hockey game.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
The Panthers fan by virtue of the four Lightning fans being led out of the game.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow. I think I saw the end of that, wasn’t sure though. What went down?
And I also agree that the salute at the end has been sorely missed at the BAC for years. True connection between the team and the fans. Such an amazing night.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
Not entirely sure, all of a sudden, people stood up and I saw the fans going at it.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions
The Lightning fans were sitting right in front of me, and all game we had good-natured comments going back and forth between us. They all seemed knowledgeable about the game, and were (comparing to habs, pens, etc fans) pretty nice. Unfortunately some lady behind me hit one of them (not sure why, drunk and never been to a hockey game most likely) and then the husbands went at it. We told the ushers it was not the fault of the Bolts fans but they got kicked anyways. It really rubbed me the wrong way, if I was attacked by a drunken 40 something douchebag and then thrown out of of an arena just for wearing the wrong color jersey I’d be pissed! There is a time and place for that: it is called a UM game. Our sport is a gentleman’s game, and opponents should be treated with respect.
That’s ridiculous. We were watching from across the arena and from there it didn’t even look like the Lightning fans started it. There is this to keep in mind, though: they may have just been moved.
But yeah. distracting. I almost missed the goal.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I was about 12 rows up from you then. Saw the guy in his orange shirt and his wife.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, what guds did was not close to crippling the team. I think it was a huge boost. And he did more than hold his own in the fight, which youll see when there is a video.
He sat in the box for what, 15 minutes?
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 15, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
As much as I loved the fight (which he won) 19 minutes with only 5 Men is rough. I thought even though Tampa lost the fight it gave them a spark as well. Just my personal thoughts and observations though.
A lil thunder and a lil lightning is what the Cats are going to bring this year.
by trinidaddy on Oct 16, 2011 12:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Speaking of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF16xnY_71k
- Go Panthers -
by flpanther360 on Oct 16, 2011 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Is downie small or Gudbranson big?
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 16, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Gudbranson’s a big dude. He towered over everyone at camp last year. It’s not as bad this year because some of the new guys are also pretty tall. But yeah, he’s tall.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
He was at the optional skate today looking game-ready.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 8:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Guds is a boss. I wouldn’t be suprised if we see Jovo go after Downie in tonights game.
Shooooooooot!!!!!!!!
by jmslavick on Oct 17, 2011 2:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Also, those jerseys are damn pretty.
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 15, 2011 11:59 PM EDT reply actions
And Flash’s 20 sumthin game point streak is over! dang
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 16, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions
So it wasn’t his best game.. I thought he looked like he was getting a bit manhandled out there myself. He seemed too easy to shove and have the puck stolen from. There is always Monday to start a new streak :-)
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G1A update!
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
The game
Was a good one for the Panthers all around. We had quite a few chances to put the game away but just didn’t do it. It will come together though. You could see this team wanted to win. Even after coughing up the leads they didn’t lie down but kept fighting. I am liking the character this team has been showing.
A lil thunder and a lil lightning is what the Cats are going to bring this year.
by trinidaddy on Oct 16, 2011 12:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
First off id like to say that I am very excited this season after experiencing that game first hand. You can tell that there are still some chemistry issues but you can also see the talent is there. Once that first line completely clicks its gonna be real dangerous. The atmosphere at the BAC was great today. I really enjoyed that and seeing everything there red. I am also a big fan of the new goal song. Good choice. Also the new PA announcer wasnt that bad. A little slow at times but I did like how enthused he was anouncing the panther names. Overall a great experience and I do see more goals coming soon.
I am sold on this team
One of the best games I have been at since the 50th consecutive sellout game at the Miami arena in ’97. This truly felt like a hockey crowd, not a dead mob of people. The team played for the crowd, the crowd cheered for the team, and it made a perfect night. Even if we had lost it still would have been a great game. The cherry on top was the salute from the team at the end of the game. It truly feels like this team wants to do well for the fans and not just collecting a paycheck. I hope this attitude continues through the season and beyond.
by Ad1zzl3 on Oct 16, 2011 12:45 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Still Not There Yet
The crowd was great I thought but there was still something missing. The “let’s go Panthers” that has been our staple for ever sounds, at best, bored and depressed. It’s just too long. GO CATS GO is so much easier to get into, and sounds so much better the couple times I’ve had my section chanting it. We’ve got to try something different.
Instead of “go cats go”, since it sounds like “go caps go”, why not “we see red” since it is what we are rallying around as a team and a fan base.
by Ad1zzl3 on Oct 16, 2011 1:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That would be a great cheer, maybe try to post that on their Facebook page and get that started.
- Go Panthers -
by flpanther360 on Oct 16, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Best game I have ever been to, but the biggest negative thing I could find in the game was Kulikov. He was like Two-Face, he had some great moments, but he also had some horrible moments, just like in Pittsburgh. Anyone else notice it or is it just me trying endlessly to find something wrong with this team?
- Go Panthers -
He’s having a rough start. I don’t know what’s up, but everyone’s noticed it.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
i wonder what the odds of him sitting for ellerby on monday are… pretty high id think.
by stopdropandbreathe on Oct 16, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
not too worried about Kulikov. I think he’ll be fine. not too out of his depth to make that super sweet pass to Versteeg. I’m trying not to be too hard on any individual players right now as there are so many new faces out there. It is going to take time for the team to gel. Considering that I’m pretty happy with the 2-1 start and encouraged by the stretches where the team seems to be totally in sync. When they get it going on they look really good. They’ve got to start finishing their chances better and can someone please tell Weiss to start shooting at the top of the net. He should have 3 goals this season not one.
by Todd Little on Oct 16, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
You make a great point about his assist to Versteeg. It’s just been that some of his mistakes have been way too obvious.
Hockey is a business, only we fans love it as a game.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an adjustment to the coaching change. Dineen seems to trust his guys more than “Bench ’Em” DeBoer and that’s going to be an adjustment for a young player like Kulikov, who had to worry about getting benched if he made a mistake.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I think it’s more likely Gudbranson who sits, but it sounds like Ellerby’s about to get a start this week.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Kuli was sat for a game last yr (and i think possibly the yr before) and when he’d come back it’s like someone had lit a fire under his ass.. so maybe it wouldnt be so bad to try and let ellerby get a game
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 16, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Sat on the glass during warmups and my eyes stayed fixed on Versteeg the entire time.. at one point he looked over and made complete eye contact and I froze.. didnt want to look away, didnt want to be staring but… man, for a straight man I sure do got it bad. lmao (encase that confused any of you, i absolutely love him as a player. Im a huge fan)
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 16, 2011 3:06 AM EDT reply actions
Theodore
Honestly the biggest positive i have to take out of the first three games. He has looked sharp, confident and ready for every game, also very impressive in the shootout. Gotta feel good about dale’s decision to sign him so far
nice win but wouldn't call it a statement
good to see the Panthers come out with the two points in front of a big home crowd which is exactly what they needed to do but a statement win? To me a better statement would have been to finish off some of the chances they had the first two periods while they were controlling the game and win in convincing fashion or to not get outplayed in the third period or to not have a very sloppy shift after taking a 2-1 lead and then give up a goal 39 seconds later. Not trying to be negative as it was a good solid win where the team showed some moxie by pulling out the 2 points at the end and I’ll take 2 wins in 3 games anytime.
Weekend Blitz rocks on; now off to practice…
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 9:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks Donny, Zach & Flamingo Tracks
For organizing last nights Box of Fun! I hope it was a big success for you all, I know my brother (not on the LBC yet) sends his thanks. We had a great time! I hope this becomes a tradition looking ahead to future seasons. I really enjoy the LBC, EVERYONE who contributes, I tip my new LBC hat to.
Marmot You must find video of Guds vs Downie, Guds was a stud!
I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G1A update!
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...
Yes, indeed...
Thanks to everyone involved! I got to see the game from a vantage point other than my usual haunt up in 422, SWMBO and Liz got to talk hockey and crafts, and my “special needs” son was delighted to see his HS teacher from fifteen years ago, who was working the box as a waiter. Oh, and several of you got to associate my shopworn mug with the moniker “OldDave”. My apologies for that.
All in all, a great time. Now I need to see if I can stretch that LBC cap to fit my 7-7/8s head. ;-)
Oh, is that why he was chatting with the waiter? I was wondering about that, since it’s a bit of a rare sight. Cool!
"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 16, 2011 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions
So just who was in that blue Camaro behind us while heading into the saveology iceplex?
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 10:43 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Gudbranson fight
Why did Gudbranson and Downie get 10 minute misconducts? Looked like a typical hockey fight to me.
Gudbranson got an automatic 10 minute misconduct to go with his minor for instigation. I’m not sure why he and Downie both got the unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. I have a feeling Downie’s unsportsmanlike and his 10 minute misconduct may have been because he went back after Jovanovski while the refs were trying to skate him to the box, but I don’t actually know.
Oh, and whomever was asking last night why there was a guy in the box after that, but no one was shorthanded. It was Brett Clark serving the original penalty, but since Gudbranson’s instigator offset that penalty, so the Lightning weren’t shorthanded for the 2 minutes.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
A Great Opening Game
I think this was a great way to open the season at home. The game was exciting with the fights, shots and misses and The Florida Panthers winning in a Shootout at the end. Say what you want about the team and it’s possible future, but I love this team and can’t wait to see them continue on.
some random thoughts
1) I am no longer that worried about Jose Theodore
2) Weiss needs to start shooting at the upper parts of the net. Should have scored in Pittsburgh should have scored last night.
3) Jovanovski looked good last night even if wouldn’t have scored that goal. Nice bounce back from what I thought was a bad go in Pittsburgh. Looking pretty good for a graybeard so far.
4) Would like to see a full 60 minute effort. Last night’s game reminded me a bit of the Islanders game. Panthers easily controlled the first two periods, didn’t score enough to put it away and got outplayed in the third but managed to get the win. The winning part is nice but the not finishing part reminds be of past teams and needs to get sorted out. For now I’ll chalk it up to players still getting used to each other but in a few more games it’s going to get classified as a problem.
5) after week one anyone on here want to try and tell me Winnipeg is better on paper (or any other way) than the Panthers? Jets 2.0 got absolutely spanked by Jets 1.0 last night. The Jets/Thrashers are still in free fall from that great spell they had at beginning of last season and will be a contender for the number 1 overall pick not the playoffs.
6) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not be too small for the NHL this year after all. Nice hat trick kid. No harm in sending Huberdeau back to junior but if RNH isn’t too small…
RE 6...
Two words: Fabian Brunnstrom.
Not saying RNH is going to turn out like him but Fabian had a hat trick in his first NHL game. No need to rush Huberdeau.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I totally agree with Huberdeau going back to junior it’s just a random thought. I simply thought he earned a nine game audition in training camp and there would have been little harm in seeing what he could do for a few games. If an 18 year old is ready to stay up it’s usually very plain to see. RHN is ready to stay up. Good training camp and nice exhibition season. 4 goals in his first three games = ready. Mark Scheifele for Winnipeg tore it up in the preseason but has been completely overmatched in the regular season = going back to Barrie.
as for Fabian Brunnstrom and RHN there is no comparison in my mind. RHN will not turn out like him. I’m guessing RNH will more this season than Fabian did in his career.
My point was that just because someone scores a hat trick, does not mean they are ready for the NHL. No doubt RNH will do better simply because he has way more talent, both within himself and surrounding him. Eberle and Hall are tremendously talented.e
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Normally, I’d agree with the 9 game audition, but with the team still coming together, it makes more sense to set some lines and have the guys get used to playing with each other. It’s better to give him the 9 games next year when he will in theory be stepping into a team that’s come together and are used to playing with each other.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I know what you meant. not debating that Hubs is better off in junior at all just saying he may have been ready. he earned a shot in my opinion that’s all. the hat trick might not be a true indicator but it’s a pretty good sign for RHN when you factor in the preseason he and and that he is carrying it over to the regular season.
If he does it in 40 games, than I think there is something. It’s still early and teams are still adjusting. Given the grind of an NHL season, I still think sending Huberdeau down was the right move, regardless of 9 game audition or not.
The Ghost of David Nemirovsky
by panthersfan27 on Oct 16, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
So I’m slowly sinking into a deep depression because I’m in college all the way in Massachusetts and not only do I not get to go to every Panthers game with my season tickets anymore, but it’s a struggle for me to even watch them on TV or find a stream :(( I’m really trying though…
The new jerseys are SEX. Nuff said. Jack Skille has made his mark on me, he deserves every minute he plays. Our first line is awesome. Kuli, although making mistakes, made a sexy pass to Versteeg on the PP. Those are just a couple observations… I could probably go on and on.
So considering I can’t go to the arena… can anyone tell me what they made different? What’s the new goal song? Is the scoreboard any different? Etc etc…
I couldn’t hear the goal song in the suite, but the arena is almost completely different. It looks like a hockey team plays there. The scoreboard is the same, but has been repainted to match the red seats in the lower bowl. With the red seats in the lower bowl, the three levels of seats are now in the team colors (blue upstairs, gold in the club, though it’s the wrong shade). The interior walls and most of the concourse walls have been painted red. There are red lights in the concourses. They still haven’t replaced the carpets downstairs yet, though.
There are three levels of led boards now. One above the old one and one between the two halves of the lower bowl seats. Yes, they’re full of advertising, but also scoreboards on each end. They also used them to announce the penalties, which was a nice touch. It’s like going to see a game at another team’s arena.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Never heard a note of it either.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Got the same problem. Never had so much trouble finding a stream than last night. At least Moller is free.
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 16, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone know why NHL.com doesn’t have the highlights from the game with the Panthers announcers? I can only find the game with the Lightning ones.
nhl.com just picks one of the broadcasters for the highlights. Havent been able to find the fs florida highlights either
Never noticed because I rarely see cats highlights on there.. but I have noticed that NHL Network RARELY uses anyone but goldie and billy for panther highlights
by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 16, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup, noticed that too. Goldie and Billy are just that good.
I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/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 16, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I subscribe to NHL Camecenter Live, and the only feed available was the Lightning feed. I was told that Fox Sports Sun (the LIghtning’s station) usually does the meetings between the 2 teams. Fox Sports Florida does all the other Panthers’ games. So Fox Sports Florida didn’t broadcast the game last night, so there wasn’t a FSF feed available. The Lightning feed was brutal as a Panthers’ fan. And one of the announcers didn’t pronounce Theodore right, and that’s one of my biggest pet peeves as a Theo fan. It’s just THEE-uh-dore. Not THAY-uh-dore. He’s said it himself many times. Just an English name, like Theodore Roosevelt.
by cowboysfan71 on Oct 16, 2011 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions
FSF had the game yesterday. GameCenter doesn’t always have the second feed, even if there is one, for whatever reason. Last year, they rarely had the Flyers feeds and there’s a lot of Canadian vs. US team games that they only run the Canadian TV feed (in non-HD). Who knows why?
Now, FSF is not running tomorrow’s game, so Sun Sports is the only option for everyone, besides the radio, of course.
"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 16, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Just getting home...
…and wanted to thank everyone for their participation last night. We’ll be posting pics from the opener early in the week, so stay tuned.
Gonna get caught up on game highlights and other goodies. Back in a bit.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
Excellent shot.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks so much for last night, Donny. Our son, Michael (the little one in the blue and black Panthers jersey) had a great time. And can’t wait to see the pictures. Thanks again. Keep up the great work!
by sarahdragon26 on Oct 16, 2011 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
We’re thrilled beyond words that you enjoyed the evening! I should be receiving the photos tonight and will post as soon as possible :)
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Oct 16, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
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