Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs - Game 14 Preview

by John Beatty on Nov 8, 2011 3:00 PM EST in Florida Panthers Game Previews: '11-12

Florida: 6-4-3 (15PTS)
Toronto: 9-4-1 (19PTS)
Season Series: 0-0-0
Game Time: 7:00 PM EST
Television: Fox Sports Florida, Sportsnet-Ontario
Radio: 560 WQAM

The Panthers visit the Maple Leafs for the first of four games between the two clubs this season. The Panthers were off to a hot start but have lost three games straight in shootouts. The Leafs are off to hot start and are currently second in the league, but lost their last game 7-0 to the visiting Boston Bruins. For the first time in a very long time, the two teams will both be in a playoff spot going into the game. Special teams could make the difference tonight. The Panthers' penalty kill (25th/75%) isn't very good this year, but neither is the Leafs' power play (20th/15.3%). On the other hand, the Panthers' power play is good so far (5th/23.5%) and the Leafs have the worst kill in the league (30th/70.9%). The one caveat is that most of the Panthers' power play goals this season have come in three games against the Lightning.

The last few seasons of Leafs-Panthers games have featured former Leaf Bryan McCabe playing well against his former club. Bryan McCabe is now also an ex-Panther, but new Cat Kris Versteeg played half of last season in Toronto before being traded to the Flyers. The Panthers desperately need a win to stay ahead of Ottawa, Carolina and New Jersey in the standings. The Devils and Hurricanes play each other tonight, but the Cats hold the tie-breaker on both. The Leafs have a 3 point cushion on the Buffalo Sabres, who host the Jets tonight.

More from our Toronto cohorts at Pension Plan Puppets.
Panthers vs Maple Leafs coverage at SB Nation.
TSN Preview.
LBC Game Thread will open 30 minutes prior to puck drop.

News and Notes

Last meeting

The Panthers beat the Leafs in Sunrise 4-0 on March 17. The win was one of only four post-trade deadline wins for the Cats. Scott Clemmensen had the shutout and Sergei Samsonov the game winner.

Last game

The Lightning spoiled the last game of the Panthers' home stand when the Cats blew a 3-0 lead to lose in the shootout. Dwayne Roloson got the win in relief of starting goaltender Mathieu Garon and former Panther Dominic Moore had the lone goal in the shootout. Brian Campbell got his first goal as a Panther on the power play less than two minutes into the game.

Lineup

Goaltender Scott Clemmensen has returned to the lineup and Jacob Markstrom has been returned to the San Antonio Rampage. Defenseman Keaton Ellerby has played the last two games over rookie Erik Gudbranson.

Injuries

Mikael Samuelsson (rehab from abdominal surgery), 10/24, week to week

Healthy Scratches

D Keaton Ellerby OR
D Erik Gudbranson

Starting goaltenders:

Scott Clemmensen picked up his last win and last shutout against the Leafs on March 17. Clemmensen is 2-1-2 against the Leafs all-time while Jose Theodore is 7-11-3-3.

Lines

Forwards

Fleischmann-Weiss-Versteeg
Kopecky-Santorelli-Upshall
Sturm-Goc-Skille
Bergenheim-Matthias-Bradley

Defense

Campbell-Garrison
Jovanovski-Gudbranson/Ellerby
Kulikov-Weaver

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Comments

I obviously want Flash to keep scoring goals.. but line #2 and 3 better pull their socks up or “the next time I have to come in here I’m cracking skulls”- Richard Vernon

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G5A 11/7
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Nov 8, 2011 3:43 PM EST reply actions

I’m surprised at how much vitriol Kris Versteeg is catching over at Pension Plan Puppets.

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

by JDMorris on Nov 8, 2011 3:54 PM EST reply actions

That’s what a few of them do to former players. An old story.

Guy wasn’t even there long enough to rankle feathers.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Nov 8, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

Actually some pretty funny stuff over there; the Mike Weaver meme is a hoot.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Nov 8, 2011 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

I remember when that whole thing got started. Wondered if it wouldnt re-emerge.

I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 5G/7A
by RPC on Sep 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Nov 8, 2011 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

They are a fairly personable bunch over there. After the requisite “Panthers fans, they do exist!” line they were fun to converse with.

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

by JDMorris on Nov 8, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

I guess after a certain amount of futility (1967!) you either adopt a sense of humor or eat a barrel. The guys at PPP went with humor, not that I can blame them (1996!). I especially enjoyed their Highlights of the last two Leafs games video link.

by OldDave on Nov 9, 2011 7:43 AM EST up reply actions

this game is always hard for me

from toronto, live in coral springs … i have split loyalties. i always hope for a 0-0 tie going into overtime then i don’t care who wins. truthfully, both teams need this win about the same amount … should be a great game. no matter what, i win and lose!

by stopdropandbreathe on Nov 8, 2011 4:30 PM EST reply actions