Panthers' "Silly Season" performance: Heard around the league
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 9:11 PM EDT
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PrintA few reactions - varying wildly - from around the hockey world regarding the Florida Panthers' incredible first 48 hours following the opening of free agency in the NHL, warts and all...
It's funny how people have belittled the eight-year deal Tallon gave to Campbell when both were in Chicago, but we don't think anyone complained when the Hawks held their Cup parade. People forget Campbell actually turned down more money elsewhere to sign in Chicago and agreed to go beyond his limited no-trade clause to follow Tallon to Florida. In the end, sometimes it's about more than the money, it's about credibility, and sometimes credibility costs more when you don't have any.
- Scott Burnside, ESPN
Just because the Panthers were throwing around coin doesn't mean they spent it wisely.
- Mike Zeisberger, Ottawa Sun
You can’t blame the group for dreaming after making the biggest splash in NHL free agency. July 1, 2011 will go down as the day that either propelled Tallon and his Panthers on a path to playoff success or the day that will lead to his exit. There’s no in-between. His moves were that dramatic.
- Craig Custance, The Sporting News
This has been a very, very impressive day for their hockey department. Still not sure they are a playoff team — as when any team undergoes a huge face-lift (think Canadiens two years ago), it may take at least a half-season to get the chemistry right with a rookie head coach, but they have significantly upgraded their talent, and you don’t know what they might accomplish if and when they jell.
- Stu Hackel, SI.com
What should trouble Panthers fans is that the quality of the roster is no better after Tallon shipped out a bunch of veteran players last winter, saying it was time to rebuild with youth.
- David Shoalts, Globe and Mail
The consensus would be that the Panthers overspent on their contracts, but there is no denying that they made their team stronger with the signings of Tomas Fleischmann, Scottie Upshall, Ed Jovanovski, Sean Bergenheim, Marcel Goc and Jose Theodore.
- Kevin Allen, USA Today
In addition to the roster that already looks complete, the Panthers have one of the best prospect pools in all of the NHL. Guys like Erik Gudbranson, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Quinton Howden all have NHL potential and will enter training camp trying to make the opening night roster as well. In less than a week, the Panthers have gone from a team that had an AHL roster, to a team that will have players competing for spots on the team.
- Matt Reitz, NBC Sports
Or perhaps it should be, will these expensive additions get them to the playoffs? The Panthers, you should know, have not won a playoff game since 1996-97. At the end of the day, the Panthers may have moved one step closer to oblivion; not one step closer to winning the Stanley Cup.
- Mike Brophy, Sportsnet
Some contracts were better than others — JovoCop and Fleischmann would seem to have a high potential for creating regrets down the line — but no GM in the League was as aggressive as Tallon. Now comes the chemistry test.
- Greg Wyshynski, Yahoo! Sports
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Notice how..
the ONLY real negative comments came from Canadian based media. I seriously am getting quite sick of hearing it. I’m sorry they spent all day and night up late glued to their computers, blackberries or whatever else they use hoping for just a ripple in the water from a canadian GM only to come up short and disappointed.
The great thing about us is we’ve learned not to set our expecations high. In return when things like this happen we can do nothing but be happy and excited about our team. When media such as the ones who trash talked out moves put so much hype and have high hopes into what their teams will do, all it does is lead to jealousy and bitterness when they realize they wasted their time and came up short AGAIN.
Suck it Ottawa sun.. glove and mail.. etc..
btw.. ottawa is still going to suck this year, and probably the one afterwards too.. and to make matters even better for us, they still have to listen to bryan murrays lisp, where as we got rid of that mess of a GM
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:22 PM EDT reply actions
Along with Gm as well.. anyone else notice how canadian teams hire all of our cast away trash?
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Who exactly are you refering to as “trash”? Bryan Murray assembled many of the pieces used to build Anaheim into a Stanley Cup winner, and while he isn’t doing the best job in Ottawa, he’s not necessarily the worst GM. Dudley has been credited as a big influence on the Chicago team that won a Cup, and didn’t get the proper chance in ATL to build a team, similar to his stay here in Sunrise.
Let’s give him a pass on the lisp, ok? Not relevant.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
From a Canadian:
TSN is the worst source for sports analysis in the universe. They’re great for reporting news the instant it happens, and their game commentary isn’t bad, but when it’s four morons talking at an elongated table about shit they don’t understand, it’s just awful.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait, should have read the article first...
But my point remains. Aside from the Toronto Sun, I’ve not read a sports section in a Canadian newspaper that doesn’t seem hastily assembled by blogging 12-year-olds.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
nail on the head
The Canadian media and the casual fan up there has an extreme bias against all the Southern expansion teams. These people like to think all of these teams are going to end up in Canada in the next few years. Yeah, one or possibly two more probably will and rightly so but places like Regina, Saskatoon or the Maritimes aren’t getting teams so give it a rest Canada. They use every excuse to bash the teams down south and say things like people just don’t like hockey down there and would never mention things like Tampa Bay was drawing crowds in excess of 21K for it’s playoff games or that Nashville is actually becoming a profitable team now that Craig Leipold is no longer the owner. Just because you are born in Canada and might love watching hockey or work at newspaper doesn’t automatically mean you know jack shit about how building a proper organization is done or what player is going to work out and what one isn’t.
Just because you are born in Canada and might love watching hockey or work at newspaper doesn’t automatically mean you know jack shit about how building a proper organization is done or what player is going to work out and what one isn’t.
I have shocked the shit out of some friends of mine from Canada in the past, that I do fantasy hockey with, being a native Floridian, to the point they now come to me and ask advice about players before draftin, and not only Florida players, but league wide.
Lol the ones that say the team is no better than last trade deadline flabbergast me.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
by Sdiaz6215 on Jul 3, 2011 9:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Put this together on Saturday; was hoping to find more comments today, but they dried up.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
Just like the free agent market when we were done with it which is what im sure spurred the jealous babble
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Quite intriguing comments
All I can say is I am quite pleased, with what this team has done. Yes, there is no way to know for sure if this will all gel together (players/coach/etc). But, I am so excited with anticipation that I actually decided to get season seats again. The team losing was not a main reason, for not renewing, but Tallon’s fulfillment of his promise was a reason for me to sign up again.
to be honest, we could finish last in the league next year and I would still be happy. I highly doubt with this lineup that wed come close but it could happen.. the reason i wouldn’t mind is for the fact that atleast we have guys who will now give it their all each night and make the games exciting to watch.
This team hasnt been exciting to watch since the bure days, im glad to finally have something to be proud of.. win or lose.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The “compete” level will be nothing familiar to us
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I liked Deboers first year as coach, unfortunately it all went downhill from there.. I think that’s the closest we’ve been to having a team compete in a long time.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I really think he lost the room with the whole Nick Boynton fiasco. They looked like a completely different team until the trade deadline that year. Then two things happened: the Nick Boynton thing and Jay Bo wasn’t traded and they’ve been terrible (again) ever since.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Great to hear. I renewed as well. Hope the trend continues among regular fans and new fans alike. Panthers have been on the radio for about 4-5 days straight now. Lets fill the house!
I also saw a “We See Red” Billboard on the turnpike on my way to Miami. No sponsors on it at all. I was surprised.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
by Sdiaz6215 on Jul 3, 2011 9:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think for advertisement like that they typically leave team sponsors off, get the message across n leave it at that.
less to distract the eye while driving, to give people a chance to see the real point of the billboard
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s one near FLL as well; looked fantastic.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
And another one a little further north as well. Deerfield Beach maybe? Saw it on my to WI.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
I’m surprised at the positive things Burnside said. Most of the other comments had a grain of truth to them but were overshadowed by uninformed overstatements about a team that as of June 30th had no expectations for next season.
Look at where these quotes are coming from, the generalized positive ones from major news networks focusing on the big 4 sports vs the Canadian hockey networks who have made a living off of badmouthing this team. Brophys comment said nothing.
What was the alternative to spending like a drunken sailor? Getting fined, thus drawing the ire of every writer because Tallon cant pull the trigger? Oh and you can certainly get up to the cap floor by doing something that Florida didn’t, sign a load of crappy players like Winnipeg did. What about wasting money there Sportsnet?
by Chris S Roberts on Jul 3, 2011 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Blind hatred, I tell you
Also,
Mon Oct 24, 2011 FLORIDA @ MONTREAL
First chance to prove em wrong.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
Potential for a Moen/Gudbranson reunion. Superb.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m still waiting to see who Winnipeg is going to overpay to hit the floor.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Question for you guys.
I want to watch some Panthers games next season, see how this team develops. Is there a specific site you stream from? I know Fear The Fin has their own little website to stream all the Sharks games.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
It really depends, we usually don’t know until half hour before the game. One reliable place I can usually find them at is http://atdhenet.tv/.
They stream most sporting events all the time.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
I usually post post feeds from myp2p.eu and take whatever is being streamed. For the longest time we couldnt always find a feed (especially against ATL, CAR etc.) but towards the end of the season one guy posted feeds regularly. After firstrow and atdhe got canned by the Dept of Homeland Security, myp2p.eu became just about our only source to find streams that would be broadcasting at puckdrop.
Also, we’ve got the best radio guy in the NHL in Randy Moller to listen to if all else fails. Usually I’d mute the sound from the stream and listen to Moller, who was always about a minute ahead but gave nice goal warnings!
by Chris S Roberts on Jul 3, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
On vacation, but this is big: MIN trades Havlat to SJ for Heatley
by Chris S Roberts on Jul 3, 2011 10:34 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t. unless florida is on the winning side… or it involves heater going to SJ, not from it.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
*sigh*
I really wanted a heatley sharks jersey too :[
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
WHAT?!
WHERE ARE YOU SEEING tHIS?1
I’M FROM FEAR THE FIN,
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Mckenzies twitter…
if you google heatley and minn im sure itll pop up.. im greatly saddened, he was the only shark i liked. and i really liked him in a sharks jersey :/
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
No, this is good.
Heatley has been injured since forever and hasn’t been able to compete. Plus, Doug Wilson needs cap space to sign Burns and Couture long-term.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh.. like i said..
I love heatley and he’s really the only shark I like, maybe a little love for boyle.. and for some reason i really loved him in teal..
the idea of him in any other jersey is just odd to me.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Oi, Sharks fan here bud, watch the disliking. :P
I love the Panthers too, let’s reciprocate this.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I used to hate the Sharks (and their fans), but you and Angy have made me reconsider
by Chris S Roberts on Jul 3, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I never said i dislike the team or anyone else, its more of a neutral kind of feeling.. heatley was the one that stood out to me, since he was originally drafted.. but the idea of him with thorton and marleu is what did it for me.. if healthy seems like theyre the most dangerous line in the league.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 3, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
On paper, they are.
The chemistry just isn’t quite there. Marleau – Thornton – Setoguchi was our best line last year, for sure.
The artist formerly know as *"Sharks_Fan_In_Toronto"*
"Those of you who volunteered to be injected praying mantis DNA, I have some good news and some bad news: bad news is we've postponed these test indefinitely. Good news is we've got a much better test for you: fighting an army of mantis men! Pick up a rifle and follow the yellow line. You'll know when the test starts."
by Evil Stanchion on Jul 3, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I like the Sharks too and I love the trade. I didn’t like Heatley in SJ.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
HUGE.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m still chuckling how, reading through those, every single negative one came from Canadian networks. The worst we got from others were simple ’we’ll see, but there a better team on paper’ comments.
The Florida Panthers have become Chicago's retirement home. This is oddly fitting.
they’re*
Blast it, I never mess that up.
The Florida Panthers have become Chicago's retirement home. This is oddly fitting.
by BadLuckCharm on Jul 3, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I do. All the time. No worries.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh Ottawa sun
It’s like you want me to stop caring about the Sens.
by Alexander Calloway on Jul 3, 2011 11:28 PM EDT reply actions
They have had a few questionable stories pass through in the last months. But dont let the press mire your relationship as a fan!
by Chris S Roberts on Jul 3, 2011 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
It's not just them
It’s the fans too!
by Alexander Calloway on Jul 4, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, so what. What’s the market going to be for him in 18 months anyway?
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jul 3, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
So? He’s not paid a huge amount, so he can be the backup if nec. If they need a different goalie this season, Clemmer can be dealt or sent down and Theodore can be the backup. Or next season, well, Clemmer’s contract is up and Theodore can back up Markstrom or whomever. And it’s only a two year deal. We’re not talking Rick DiPietro here.
"We don't need the designated goon. Those fights aren't even fun to watch." -Mike Milbury
Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.
Don't sweat it everyone, remember...
Fish, Heatles, Cats, Fins, Noles
by National Mario on Jul 4, 2011 1:07 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
not sure
how good the panthers can be next year but a playoff appearance shouldn’t be unexpected. I think they will compete for spots 6-8 in the conference.
I think out of the all the comments above the one that strikes me as the closest to my thinking is by Matt Reitz @ NBC Sports. This is the probably the deepest the Panthers organization as a whole has been in it’s history and it ‘s been ages since the team has had this many NHL caliber players on it’s game day roster. This team has three lines they can throw out where every guy is a potential twenty goal scorer. Most of the guys signed are still pretty young and after all the signings the team still has a low payroll. How is that anything but good?
What's going to be interesting...
Is if we finish 7th or 8th and make the playoffs… while washington finishes 1st or 2nd…
Vokoun letting in soft goals against Fl in the playoffs? yes please.
by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 4, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Its ironic that the naysayers make this sound like Tallon was just going out there trying to get quantity with no strategy involved just to hit the minimum. If you listen to any of the interviews it was very clear what he was doing at each position. He wanted character first, desire to be a Panther, winning attitude and history, size, speed, toughness, better power play, more willingness to in the tough zones all aspects we had very little of last year. We now have upgraded at every position in every one of these areas other than goalie. We brought in several all stars, several players who won one or more cups, bigger, stronger and tougher players, players that know how to win and will not accept anything else, added several 20 goal scorers, proven power play players – all of which we lacked the last few years and yet we’re not better? How can anyone with any sense or any knowledge of hockey say this roster, at least on paper is not a huge upgrade from last year and the last 9 years for that matter. So we may have over paid for a few players. We had plenty of cap room and have not put ourselves in any financial bind for the future as most of the contracts expire in 2-3 years. We desperately needed scoring and we got that. We desperately needed better power play and we got that. We desperately needed toughness and we got that. Most importantly we have players that really want to play here and mentors for our generally agreed upon great prospects for the next few years. No one knows how the chemistry or health will play out but we do have players coming in that have played together and know each other’s games. If you compare the statistics of those we gave up (sans Horton who didn’t want to play here any longer) vs those we acquired and the amount of cups each won, all star selections of each this is a much, much better roster. Statistics don’t lie. Though they only tell part of the story when you add the statistics to the desire to play here, the willingness to do what it takes to win here and the willingness to mentor our prospects, how can anyone say we are not better off than we were with our roster going into last year’s season? The only downside to everything this off season is having to wait for the season to start!
HCM
It’s the “heart” factor. Look at the SCF, Boston was against a much more skilled roster on paper, but they had the guts and willingness to come out on top of Vancouver.
Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215
Charachter and Passion
Two critical things that have been missing here for 15 years now.
CFS93
by chesterbardo on Jul 4, 2011 12:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I keep thinking, this crop of players closest resembles the ‘96 team, than any I can remember in any organization since. The 96 team was lucky to have a single 30 goal scorer in Mellanby, and only had 3 other guys chip in 20, but it was full of character and guys capable of 15-25 goals. And the thing that was scaring me the most about Tallon, especially after acquiring Campbell, was him giving someone a 6 or 7 year contract for six million or more, that really wasn’t the caliber of player deserving of it. He didn’t handcuff the team with stupid contracts, like he did Chicago for various reasons. Aside of giving Bergenheim too much cash and thinking Theo is a capable starter, I’m pleased with what he did since Friday. Still not happy about the Campbell trade, but whatever.
We know that Campbell at age 32, with that contract, is not very attractive but what that trade did for the organization was tremendous. When Upshall and Jovo were asked about the trade and if it helped them decide to come here, they both said: “yes, definitely.”
You might not like the contract, neither do I, but it shouldnt hold us back since we are at the cap floor right now, with now what is a bunch of players already locked up for 3 or 4 years.
What’s the use of having all that cap room to spare if ownership won’t spend to it?
by Craig Fischer on Jul 4, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
All of these contracts can be traded if necessary. it’s not like the panthers signed someone to a 9 year deal that is one injury away from retiring.
by Hawkseye on Jul 4, 2011 8:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
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