Wednesday Caterwaul: Panthers Open Forum

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 12:30 PM EST in LBC Caterwauls: '11-12

John Madden was a fantastic defensive center with the Devils. He and (usually) Jay Pandolfo made life difficult for the other team's top forwards. Worked hard, was quick to counter, and he was a PK machine. Did he score a lot or create a lot of assists? Not in the NHL, but his role was a checking center and he was great [in it]. As with life, age saw his speed go, and his role diminished. Yet, Devils fans have and will remember him well for his play throughout most of the 2000s.

- In Lou We Trust's John Fischer, on Florida's newest forward (pictured above with New Jersey in '09). More on the Madden signing from our own JB here. Video interview added after the jump...

The Eastern Front

Rank	Team	GP	W	L	OT	PTS	GF	GA	Home	Away	L/10	Streak
1	NY Rangers	37	24	9	4	52	110	79	11-3-2	13-6-2	7-3-0	Won 2
2	Boston	35	24	10	1	49	123	68	13-6-1	11-4-0	7-3-0	Lost 1
3	Florida	39	20	12	7	47	103	107	10-4-5	10-8-2	4-4-2	Won 1
4	Philadelphia	37	22	11	4	48	125	109	8-6-2	14-5-2	5-4-1	Lost 1
5	Pittsburgh	38	21	13	4	46	121	100	11-4-2	10-9-2	5-5-0	Lost 2
6	Ottawa	40	20	15	5	45	123	135	12-8-1	8-7-4	7-2-1	Won 3
7	Washington	38	21	15	2	44	114	110	14-5-1	7-10-1	6-3-1	Won 4
8	New Jersey	38	21	15	2	44	105	108	10-6-1	11-9-1	7-2-1	OT 1

9	Winnipeg	38	19	14	5	43	104	107	14-6-1	5-8-4	6-3-1	Won 3
10	Toronto	39	19	15	5	43	125	128	9-5-4	10-10-1	4-4-2	Won 1
11	Buffalo	39	18	17	4	40	104	115	10-9-4	8-8-0	3-5-2	Won 1
12	Tampa Bay	38	17	18	3	37	107	129	11-5-0	6-13-3	5-4-1	Lost 1
13	Montreal	39	14	18	7	35	99	110	5-7-6	9-11-1	3-7-0	Lost 2
14	NY Islanders	37	14	17	6	34	88	116	8-9-3	6-8-3	5-5-0	Won 3
15	Carolina	41	13	21	7	33	106	139	9-10-3	4-11-4	4-3-3	OT 1

Why last night rocked:

NYI over CAR, 4-3 (SO); not even fair to include this one

Why last night jonesed:

WSH over CGY, 3-1; don't need to mention the SE ramifications here (hint: the number "3" comes to mind)
BUF over EDM, 4-3 (REG); remember when Western clubs owned the East? Yeah...back when it didn't matter in Sunrise.
TOR over TB, 7-3; struggled with this one, but the Buds continue to be a longer-term threat to FLA. Oh, and Bolts...14 goals-against in two games vs Toronto? 14???

Why tonight is a Big Deal in SoFla:

WPG at MTL, 7:30 p.m.; thought the WSH result was bad? Ole.
BOS at NJ, 7:30; believe it: Broons hold microscopic two-point lead over FLA. Okay, with 4 games-in-hand. Devils three back with 1 in-hand of their own. All about the hand, evidently.

Next up for the Cats:

All at once, everyone: tomorrow from MSG. LBC Game Thread cooks with gas at, yes, 6:30.

Did you know:

Though netminder Scott Clemmensen's only regulation loss this season came last week after surrendering 3 goals on 14 shots - against the Rangers - his lifetime record vs New York remains, well, okay: 3-4-1 with one shutout.

Still waiting on:

... Jacob Markstrom's inevitable recall, an official update on Jose Theodore's injury status and a conclusion to BarchGate. Oh, and if you haven't done your ASG voting duty, today's the final opportunity. Also...check out how you can help Jack Jablonski here.

Madden speaks:

Tweet Comment 60 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

This video, Our Way of Life, has been going around the internet and Twitterverse the last few days. Specatular video. Anybody get the chance to watch it yet?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohqTf5uvkY

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 1:18 PM EST reply actions

Was this a signing “just in time”? Will we finally hop the back to back games with 2 W and 4 points? Will the Habs pull a win and keep Atlanta in the 9th place? Can the NHL render its apology today for keeping Barchgate rolling longer than necessary? Will Rupp Rumble happen within the first 2 minutes of the game at MSG? Does Clemmer get the start or will the Alien abduct the net? For some of these answers tune in tomorrow, same Cat channel, same Cat time.

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G9A 12/6
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Jan 4, 2012 1:40 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Love the classic Batman.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

Yep, me too.

by OldDave on Jan 4, 2012 2:55 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

A+

by kSelvig on Jan 4, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

In Dale We Trust

What Madden lacks is the youth in his legs. But what he brings back is a wealth of experience and even more a world of character.
Let the Tallon Train take us where it may. It’s all enroute to the final destination.

CFS93

by chesterbardo on Jan 4, 2012 1:52 PM EST reply actions

would strongly guess it’ll be Clemmertime in MSG with the Alien set to burst out of Kane’s chest at The Rock on Saturday.

I’d be happy with a Panther split in these two games. It’s going to be a dogfight for the top spot in the SE at least in the immediate future.

by Todd Little on Jan 4, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

Marty Biron is expected to start against us, giving Lundqvist a game off. A giant break for us, but still, we’re facing a good goalie.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 2:03 PM EST reply actions

Biron is 7-2 with a 2.08 GAA and .923 save percentage. He was always a career back-up, even tho Buffalo and then Philly gave him repeated chances to be a starter. I don’t think its preferable to play him right now, as the team in general is hot.

by MrOmnipotent on Jan 4, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

The Rangers also have a back-to-back, with the second half them visiting the Penguins, and they’ve now beaten us 4-1 and 6-1 in our last two meetings. We’ve had a rough December. Malkin is doing well, the Pens have won 5 their last 6. This time around, we get the backup.

by angellen on Jan 4, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Point wasn’t about who is playing. Point was, right now Biron isn’t a giant break for anyone.

by MrOmnipotent on Jan 4, 2012 5:50 PM EST up reply actions

When compared to Lundqvist’s refusal to let us score more than one since the Thanksgiving game, his sub-2.00 GAA, .937 S%, and generally being one of the top few goaltenders in the world, enough little edges start to add up to being a giant break, especially since Biron is 7-12-0 against Florida and Lundqvist is 14-7-1.

by angellen on Jan 4, 2012 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed, MUCH rather face Biron than the King. Either way, gotta generate chances against either goalie, and that has proven to be tough against perhaps the best defensive team in the NHL.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Ryan Meier on Jan 4, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions

Most seasons, I’d say facing Biron instead of Lundqvist would be a present from the hockey gods. But every so often, he gets a burr up his ass and has a really good string of games. And when he’s on those streaks you do not want to be facing him.

by MrOmnipotent on Jan 5, 2012 2:57 AM EST up reply actions

Don't say this too often but..

Go Habs go

by eliran2 on Jan 4, 2012 2:33 PM EST reply actions

oh how I hate to root for the Habs

by Todd Little on Jan 4, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions

It’s only for this season. Next season we can cheer for the ~~Thrashers~~ Jets to beat ’em.

…

That’s not much better, is it?

by jimmyh71 on Jan 4, 2012 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

The Barch hearing will now, finally, take place tomorrow morning.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 2:40 PM EST reply actions

NHLPA asked for it to be pushed back.. does that mean they have a representative with Barch for the hearing?

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G9A 12/6
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Jan 4, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions

Dunno, but the reason I heard was that it was pushed back due to some other (non-publicized?) long-running grievance unrelated to Barch.

by jimmyh71 on Jan 4, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Had player-safety hearings to get through first. Those take precedence in light of the cats’ schedule.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I just watched the two videos produced by some guy I didn’t recognize (good thing Mr. Shanahan introduces himself before every video) regarding the players’ safety. I have to say I’m digging the transparency that comes with this seasons suspensions/fines. I can’t wait to see how Campbell Sr. manages the now de rigueur explanation of any supplementary discipline handed down. With no clear video evidence possible and no HBO mics on the ice it will be interesting to see how the league defends their position one way or the other.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

In other news, Booth is going to be traveling with the team. Possible to play the Cats on Monday.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 2:51 PM EST reply actions

Kevin Dineen is going to be on Sid Rosenberg show sometime today.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 3:08 PM EST reply actions

Around 4:30.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions

love Dineen but still not a good enough reason to listen to Sid Rosenberg. Never liked him, stop trying and tuned him out permanently a couple years ago after he tried to tell people Sergei Fedorov played for the USSR in the Miracle On Ice game in 1980 despite the fact SF was 11 at the time.

by Todd Little on Jan 4, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

Colby Robak has been named to the AHL All-Star Game. Only Rampage player on the roster.

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Things I hate to say...

Go Habs!

Seeing Red since 1994.

by coasterg on Jan 4, 2012 3:48 PM EST via Android app reply actions

@j_markstrom: Bags r packed, confident that the @sarampage going to get another win tonight and I’m off to NY to meet up the @FlaPanthers
#buzzin

I’m going to go ahead and assume this means Marky starts tomorrow.

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Jan 4, 2012 3:54 PM EST reply actions

hope so but I think Clem will get a chance at redemption against the Rangers and we’ll see Marky against the Devils.

by Todd Little on Jan 4, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

Go Habs Go!

Yeah, you won’t hear me saying that too often.

"Shut up, Pierre!" -Everyone

Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.

by John Beatty on Jan 4, 2012 5:03 PM EST reply actions

The Alien Has Officially Landed!!! http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=609941&cmpid=fb-MarkstromRecalled-0104

- Go Panthers -

by flpanther360 on Jan 4, 2012 5:18 PM EST reply actions

So is John Madden going to be taking his bus, or is he actually going to fly with the rest of the team?

by studyaid on Jan 4, 2012 7:34 PM EST reply actions

Jets on the board quick

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 7:55 PM EST reply actions

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand the Habs get it back! Tied at 1.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 8:05 PM EST reply actions

MAKE IT TWO!

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 8:07 PM EST reply actions

they don’t know how to protect leads, they need at least 2 more to win this game

by eliran2 on Jan 4, 2012 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

Montreal leading 6-2…. thank goodness.

IN DALE WE TRUST

by CubanCatsFan on Jan 4, 2012 9:37 PM EST reply actions

And it hurts to say that …

by OldDave on Jan 4, 2012 9:38 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

i started cheering for them once they put the jets away with those 3 goals and then they started to ole so i stopped

by eliran2 on Jan 4, 2012 9:39 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not going all “Ole” but go Habs go.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:46 PM EST up reply actions

Sure was a pleasure to show them the door on Saturday, but tonight is a different matter

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:47 PM EST up reply actions

Sure was. :)

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions

This is unspeakably huge.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:54 PM EST up reply actions

I’ll never forget the Philly fans goin “Ole” two years ago in the playoffs. That and listening to Pennywise’s “Bro Hymn” easily made me cheer for the Flyers of the Hawks.

by MrOmnipotent on Jan 5, 2012 3:00 AM EST up reply actions

With all this “Go Habs” going on around here I missed Boston laying it down against the NJ DeBoers. I hope this is a trend we can keep going on Friday.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 9:45 PM EST reply actions

7-2 now.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:53 PM EST reply actions

And just like that, it’s 7-3

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Check this out

I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 15G/19A
by RPC on Sep 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Jan 4, 2012 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Who says blogs don’t count, eh?

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 10:29 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, it counts.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 10:32 PM EST up reply actions

How does one spell “classy” with a Philly fan accent?

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

Just a small few of them in this case :)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 10:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Seriously, Travis did the only thing he could do. High road all the way. Well done, and the response by fellow Flyers fans has been a-1.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 4, 2012 10:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I agree, the fans over at BSH did a good thing here. I’m not criticizing them or their approach. Clearly one (or a few) idiots in the crowd who’s earned the wrath of a city/fan base.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, the biggest of props to Travis for that. PPD sure must be interested in that!!

by Chris S Roberts on Jan 4, 2012 10:45 PM EST up reply actions

Wow.. I especially like the police video. Just goes to remind ALL of us, we are always on video/phone/camera/street video etc in this day and age. If you can’t behave properly you will be caught in the act. Also, if you are a dumb arse and boast about it on Facebook then you deserve to have the book thrown at you AND your ability to attend your favorite teams games for a minimum of 5 years.

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G9A 12/6
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Jan 5, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

I'm just gonna go ahead and say it for posterity

Fan on fan violence is never cool. Heck, we all enjoy a game that has been endowed with a modicum of violence but still… this is never OK! We watch our heroes bounce each other against the boards hoping it’s nothing more than a “good check”. With the summer hockey has had let’s not forget the Giants fan that spent his season in the hospital instead of in the stands. Again: THIS. IS. NEVER. COOL.

The artist formerly known as L'Mysterioso

by Spencer-IV on Jan 4, 2012 10:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs