Game Day Preview: Game 6, Buffalo Sabres at Florida Panthers

by John Beatty on Oct 20, 2011 11:00 AM EDT in Florida Panthers Game Previews: '11-12

Florida: 3-2-0 (6PTS)
Buffalo: 4-1-0 (8PTS)
Season Series: 0-0-0
Game Time: 7:30 PM EDT
Television: Fox Sports Florida, MSG
Radio: 560 WQAM

The revamped Panthers meet the revamped Sabres for the first time this season. While the Sabres didn't make as many changes as the Panthers this off-season, new owner Terry Pegula showed he is not afraid to spend money, going after high priced free agents including Christian Ehrhoff and putting the team up against the cap. Buffalo has had a good start, winning both of their European games in the NHL Premiere, followed by two of their next three. The Panthers are coming off of a 3-0 shutout in Washington on Tuesday, while the Sabres won Tuesday night in Montreal 3-1.

More from our Buffalo cohorts at Die By The Blade.
Sabres vs Panthers coverage coverage at SB Nation.
TSN preview.
LBC Game Thread will open 30 minutes prior to puck drop.

News and Notes

Last meeting

The Sabres beat the Panthers 4-2 in the middle of the Panthers' post-trade deadline slide. Former Panther Jordan Leopold got the game winner and Ryan Miller the win.

Last game

Former Panther Tomas Vokoun blanked the Cats in a 3-0 shutout in Washington. Jacob Markstrom got his first NHL start in the loss, and by all accounts handled himself well. Keaton Ellerby saw his first game action this season, in as seventh defenseman in place of forward Sean Bergenheim, who was dealing with some soreness after the game against the Lightning on Monday.

Lineup

Injuries

G Scott Clemmensen (knee), 9/26, 3-8 weeks
F Mike Santorelli (shoulder), 9/27, 2 weeks

Possible Scratches

D Keaton Ellerby (healthy)
F Shawn Matthias (sick, game time decision)
F Mike Santorelli (shoulder, game time decision)
F Sean Bergenheim (soreness, game time decisision)

Starting goaltenders:

The Cats will ~~most likely start~~ Jose Theodore tonight, while the Sabres will probably start Ryan Miller.

Lines

Forwards

Fleischmann-Weiss-Versteeg
Booth-Kopecky-Upshall
Bergenheim/Matthias/Kennedy?-Goc-Skille
Bradley-Matthias/Santorelli/Reinprecht?-Carter

Defense

Campbell-Garrison
Jovanovski-Gudbranson
Kulikov-Weaver

UPDATE (11:26): Possible Shawn Matthias and Sean Bergenheim scratches tonight. George Richards reporting Matthias missing from skate and Bergenheim left early. Santorelli skating. ~~No information from the team yet.~~

UPDATE (1:03): Per the team twitter account, the Panthers have recalled C Steven Reinprecht and LW Tim Kennedy from San Antonio.

UPDATE (3:00): Per George Richards at the Miami Herald, the Panthers have called up C Bracken Kearns, not Steve Reinprecht. Bergenheim and Matthias are still game time decisions.

From the archives: Peter Worrell vs Rob Ray; March 19th, 1998...

Tweet Comment 63 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

this will be a good test. Gotta establish a pattern of winning at home consistently, avoiding losing streaks and beating teams with winning records.

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Your Manny Legace Update

Off to Springfield. No idea he had been cut by SA.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

bye bye Manny

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

not sure if anyone mentioned this after the Caps game but the Panthers were a little hamstrung by their lack a of spare forward on the roster when Bergenheim couldn’t go. They had to double shift some tired forwards in the second game of a back to back. Don’t think it would have made too much of a difference but I’m still a little perplexed as to why they aren’t are carrying a max roster.

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

Maybe related to your observation, but here’s Harvey via Twitter:

no sign off Matthias on ice. Santorelli skating Bergenheim left ice #nhl #flapanthers

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

That’s interesting. Wonder if that means Matthias is hurt or if Santorelli is coming back and Matthias is sitting. I’d be sitting Carter not Matthias if Santo is ready to come back.

btw it would be nice if there was a way to edit posts. I guess I need to preview more. My typing is so bad sometimes…

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 11:24 AM EDT reply actions

If Matthias is not skating he’s probably hurt. Guys don’t usually take warmups if they’re not playing, but I believe they generally do the morning skate either way, in case something comes up before game time.

"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 20, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Local media implying Santorelli MAY get back into the lineup tonight.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Buffalo fan here

Panthers have played really well this year so far. It should be a good game. I just hope we win. I really hate losing to the Panthers, possibly more than any other team. I can answer any questions if you have them as well.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 11:41 AM EDT reply actions

Howdy, Phil…you hate losing to FLA more than TOR, BOS, or MTL? Interesting; to what do we owe that distinction?

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Dunno, really. I think it’s because when Buffalo loses to Florida it’s usually not close.
I hate losing to Toronto too but that’s because it hasn’t happened much over the past 5-6 years.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

I hate losing to Toronto too but that’s because it hasn’t happened much over the past 5-6 years.

Got that right :)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m also playing against Kris Versteeg this week in fantasy.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Lets Go Cats

Philaster are you going to be at this game tonight?

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...

by RPC on Oct 20, 2011 11:52 AM EDT reply actions

Don't think I could get to the airport in time

I live in Maryland. I would be surprised if Terry Pegula wasn’t there though, given that he lives in the area.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

A rather nice neighborhood, too

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Just checking.. there is usually a group near my seats who are.. less than pleasant when your team is winning. Just making sure you aren’t 1 of ’em. Unfortunately Buffalo fans rank in my top 5 for obnoxious fans in MY arena- Habs, Leaf, Philly, Ranger, Buffalo..

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...

by RPC on Oct 20, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been a little embarassed by Buffalo fans at Cap games too. Expats get loud, drunk and want to feel a little civic pride. It can get annoying but you have to understand it on some level. At least we’re not Philly fans.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

There’s just no forgiveness for Philly fans. None.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Ryan Meier on Oct 20, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I was at a caps – buff game at Verizon a couple of years ago…sabres fans were very evident in the crowd.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 22, 2011 1:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I know Terry comes to the Panthers-Sabres games. We saw him leaving in the elevator by section 333 last December – the game where Stanley broke his leg.

by badger737 on Oct 20, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

NMB?

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

Not following, sir…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

North Miami Beach… just joking. that’s where I am at right now while working. Don’t think Terry Pegula sees much of these parts.

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he lives in Opa-Locka (j/k)

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah Opa-Locka right off Ali Baba Ave :)

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Gotcha! No he’s a bit north of there…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Why not? Drew Rosenhaus lives in North Miami. My brother’s a cop and they patrol his neighborhood once a night.

by badger737 on Oct 20, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I wanna see some 5 on 5 scoring tonight from the Cats

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

Just received this email

The Bench Seats are available for tonight’s big game between your Florida Panthers and the Buffalo Sabres! The "best seats in the house" – located between the two benches at ice level – can be yours at a discount off of the regular price! On top of the seats at ice level and Club Parking passes, here’s what you get:

- 4 Jerseys
- Post game meet and greet passes (Panthers team ONLY)
- ADT access for the entire game (intermissions and pregame – unlimited food and drink)
- Personal escort for the game.

Kewl, but no price listed.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 12:54 PM EDT reply actions

Personal escort?

Scandalous!

Unashamed Alex Burrows Fanboy, MN Wild Lover, and believer in the FLA Cats Blueprint

by JMarushin on Oct 20, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Whatever it takes…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Oct 20, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Argh and I have class in Ft. Lauderdale during game time

Fish, Heatles, Cats, Fins, Noles

by National Mario on Oct 20, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

NM, if you don’t mind my asking what are you taking class in? I’m currently in school pursuing a Computer Science degree.

Hockey is a business, only we fans love it as a game.

by JDMorris on Oct 20, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I would LOVE to sit there!!! I could easily end up being removed by security during the game though… Do we get to choose our personal escort for the game???

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...

by RPC on Oct 20, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If it’s the seats directly between the two benches then they usually run like 4-5000 a game.. But that usually includes 8 additional tickets as well (usually behind the opposing team bench or around there) and meal for the group beforehand and “chalk talk” with one of the teams assistant coaches.

Me and friends have done this a few times in the past and while it’s a great experience the price seems a little overwhelming. Then again if you consider the fact that you get 4 jerseys (around 900$ value) and the additional tickets (about 200$ on the glass) food for everyone etc it IS kind of worth it.. eh who knows

by Rob PKane McMahon on Oct 20, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's go cats!

This has the potential to be a real barnburner action wise, but low scoring if the tenders are standing on their heads

Unashamed Alex Burrows Fanboy, MN Wild Lover, and believer in the FLA Cats Blueprint

by JMarushin on Oct 20, 2011 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

Let’s show Terry Pagula what a plastic rat looks like!

by LAUSMAN on Oct 20, 2011 12:57 PM EDT reply actions

At least Lindy Ruff is very well acquainted.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Really…..I’m actually a Sabres fan…….and a Lindy Ruff big time fan…….Buffalo is a Great hockey town with avid fans……….Of course My Panthers are #1………..but Buffalo comes in at #2 !

by LAUSMAN on Oct 20, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Sean Avery?

by jj24 on Oct 20, 2011 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Rampage update:

Brian Foster will start against the rival Texas Stars, Evgeny Dadanov is out with an upper body injury (why he wasn’t called up).

by Alexander Calloway on Oct 20, 2011 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

Damn, was hoping Dads would come up for this game too.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Ryan Meier on Oct 20, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Dads can’t catch a break.

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 1:46 PM EDT reply actions

#FlaPanthers NOT bringing up Reinprecht; instead it’s C Bracken Kearns and Tim Kennedy…Kearns could make NHl debut v #Sabres

who?

by eliran2 on Oct 20, 2011 2:16 PM EDT reply actions

Very interesting choice. Yet another sign of the depth of this franchise and it’s minor league affiliates.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Ryan Meier on Oct 20, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I feel so bad for Tim Kennedy. His agent couldn’t have dicked him over more. He might have ruined his career.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, Kennedy could have some redemption tonight against his former club. That’d be cool (for us anyways)

I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 1G/2A
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 20, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

He couldn’t possibly have more motivation.

by Philaster on Oct 20, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s just so small, with not enough scoring touch. That play where he got manhandled by Recchi in the playoffs will always stand out in my mind.

by jj24 on Oct 20, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Very interesting, so Bracken Kearns makes his NHL debut tonight. Should be interesting.

by Alexander Calloway on Oct 20, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Kearns has the best numbers on the Rampage so that makes sense.

by Todd Little on Oct 20, 2011 2:23 PM EDT reply actions

eliran2

the skinny on Bracken Kearns

Bracken Kearns
Center
Born May 12 1981 — Vancouver, BC
Height 6.01 — Weight 208 — Shoots L

—- Regular Season - -- Playoffs --
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
-—————————————————————————————————————————-
2001-02 U. of Calgary CWUAA 26 0 8 8 2
2002-03 U. of Calgary CWUAA 29 8 9 17 14
2003-04 U. of Calgary CWUAA 38 11 12 23 22
2004-05 U. of Calgary CWUAA 43 12 23 35 18
2005-06 Toledo Storm ECHL 71 33 36 69 66 13 7 6 13 6
2005-06 Cleveland Barons AHL 1 0 1 1 0
2006-07 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 79 11 15 26 59 4 0 0 0 8
2007-08 Reading Royals ECHL 17 5 13 18 17 ~~- -~~ ~~- -~~ -
2007-08 Norfolk Admirals AHL 53 9 16 25 40 - ~~- -~~ ~~- -~~
2008-09 Norfolk Admirals AHL 53 12 10 22 63 ~~- -~~ ~~- -~~ -
2009-10 Rockford IceHogs AHL 80 15 36 51 99 4 0 2 2 2
2010-11 San Antonio Rampage AHL 72 20 23 43 104
2011-12 San Antonio Rampage AHL 3 3 0 3 2
-——————————————————————————————————————————