Friday Caterwaul: Panthers Open Forum

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:30 AM EST in LBC Caterwauls: '11-12

C Shawn Matthias was Florida's only multi-point player on Thursday against the Kings, grabbing assists on Mike Santorelli's eventual gamewinner in the second period & Matt Bradley's empty net effort with 50 seconds remaining. "Danger" finished with a plus-2 over 22 shifts.

Despite not having netted a shorthanded goal since December 13 in a shootout loss to New Jersey - a 22-game stretch - the Panthers remain around the league average in that stat by tallying a mundane 4 total through the season. The Devils earlier surrendered a SHG in a Florida regulation victory on November 21, one of the thirteen they've allowed so far. Oh, and they've also scored thirteen shorties, far and away leading the NHL in both categories. The Panthers visit Newark Saturday.

Final - 2.9.2012	1	2	3	Total
Los Angeles Kings	0	0	1	1
Florida Panthers	0	2	1	3

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The Eastern Front

Rank	Team	GP	W	L	OT	PTS	GF	GA	Home	Away	L10	Stk
1	NY Rangers	52	34	13	5	73	145	106	17-6-2	17-7-3	6-3-1	Won 1
2	Boston	52	33	17	2	68	180	117	17-9-2	16-8-0	4-5-1	Lost 1
3	Florida	53	25	17	11	61	134	150	14-5-7	11-12-4	4-3-3	Won 1
4	Philadelphia	54	31	16	7	69	177	160	13-8-5	18-8-2	4-3-3	Won 1
5	New Jersey	54	31	19	4	66	153	152	15-9-3	16-10-1	6-2-2	OT 1
6	Pittsburgh	54	30	19	5	65	163	141	15-7-2	15-12-3	7-2-1	OT 1
7	Ottawa	57	28	22	7	63	166	177	15-11-2	13-11-5	3-6-1	Won 1
8	Toronto	55	28	21	6	62	171	161	16-8-4	12-13-2	6-3-1	Lost 2

9	Washington	54	28	21	5	61	151	152	19-7-2	9-14-3	4-3-3	OT 1
10	Winnipeg	56	26	24	6	58	134	153	16-8-2	10-16-4	5-4-1	Won 2
11	Montreal	55	22	24	9	53	144	149	11-11-7	11-13-2	5-4-1	Won 3
12	Tampa Bay	53	23	24	6	52	151	180	15-8-2	8-16-4	6-2-2	OT 1
13	Buffalo	53	23	24	6	52	132	154	12-9-6	11-15-0	4-5-1	Won 2
14	NY Islanders	53	22	23	8	52	128	154	11-12-5	11-11-3	6-2-2	Lost 1
15	Carolina	55	20	25	10	50	139	168	14-12-3	6-13-7	5-2-3	OT 1

Why last night rocked:

PHI over TOR 4-3 (REG); Leafs only contender club to not gain a point
STL over NJ 4-3 (SO); Oshie with GWG in shootout

Why last night jonesed:

WPG over WSH 3-2 (SO); double-sided coin that would have been worse if score reversed
NYR over TB 4-3 (OT); can probably stop concerning ourselves with the Rags now
OTW over NSH 4-3 (REG); Preds have lost 3 straight vs East

Panthers Playoff Update:

Defeated Los Angeles 3-1; playoff odds up 6.1 to 73.1% per Sports Club Stats

Why tonight is a Big Deal in SoFla:

No games of any pressing interest to the Panthers, unless I'm missing the significance of BUF and CAR playing inter-conference matches

Next up for the Cats:

An early start tomorrow from Newark; the LBC Game Thread will scramble to be showered by 12:30

Did you know:

Stephen Weiss remains pointless against L.A., the only NHL club he has yet to score on

Thursday’s Organizational Transactions:

None

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Comments

Too bad Ottawa had to go and win last night. A loss would have left them even with the Panthers with the Cats holding four games in hand.

119 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 10:58 AM EST reply actions

Northleast?

For the all the crap that has been written all over the interweb the last few days about how the Southeast Dvision sucks and may only get one team in the playoffs it’s not too far out of the realm of possibility that the SE gets three teams in and the NE only sends one team (Boston). Florida and Washington both have games in hand on Ottawa / Toronto and Winnipeg has 7 out of their next 9 games at home where they have been strong.

119 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 11:07 AM EST reply actions

Down for that

except ottawa in instead of winnipeg

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Feb 10, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

My man!

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

Alternately, we could just talk about how strong the Atlantic Division has been this year, with the exception of the Islanders. That’s part of it, along with the Bruins’ performance. Really, five teams have been tearing through the Eastern Conference, and the rest of the conference teams that might make the playoffs are there because they’ve been decent against other divisions.

The only EC teams with a winning record against the Atlantic Division are the Rangers, Devils, Bruins and Leafs. The only WC teams are St. Louis, Colorado and San Jose. The Leafs are in the position they’re in because they’ve been bad in their own division and are almost even in the Southeast.

"Shut up, Pierre!" -Everyone

Litter Box Cats - Your Panthers Colossus.

by John Beatty on Feb 10, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

University of Minnesota (Bjugstad and Rau) on NBC sports network tonight if Buffalo and Carolina don’t do it for you.

by kSelvig on Feb 10, 2012 11:25 AM EST via Android app reply actions

Going to see The Avett Brothers

by studyaid on Feb 10, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

thanks for the update. I’m going to DVR the Golden Gophers game and watch it tomorrow.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

Not only that...

…but Brickley plays in the game before on NBC Sports Net, Knight and Barabosa are on CBS Sports Net and Michigan-Michigan State are on BTN. Throw in the 5 FLA prospects playing in the UMN-DU game and it’s a pretty good night to check out some of the Panthers future first hand if you have no plans.

First Round Bust: A Cast of Thousands celebrating a rather dodgy track record of Minnesota Wild Drafting.
SB Nation Minnesota Assistant Editor/Amazed I Get To Write About Gopher Hockey
Twitter: @gopherstate

by GopherState on Feb 10, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

Good call. I figured there were probably a few others playing televised hockey tonight, but UM is really the only team I’ve been following seeing how they’re the only team I can watch.

by kSelvig on Feb 10, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

Thank you to all who posted this info

Been meaning to add it to the Friday caterwauls and keep forgetting. Book it next week.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 4:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I just feel that once we get skille, kulikov and upshall back into the lineup, we’ll be that much better. We’ve already seen what goc has been able to bring since he got back and skille has been a strong energy player earlier this season. I believe that upshall is the scorer we’re all hoping for and I’m hoping he comes back rested and determined to make a difference so we’ll be in good shape to make the playoffs

by eliran2 on Feb 10, 2012 12:20 PM EST reply actions

Upshall quite frankly has shown squat. But I’m rooting for him and hope you’re right!

CFS93

by chesterbardo on Feb 10, 2012 9:24 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Most everyone here knows I’ve harped about wanting to know how many times we’ve given up the 1st goal/1st shot/1min dealio..
From Miami Herald

In five starts this season, Clemmensen has surrendered a goal within the first two minutes of a game.

That is just Clemmer- I know for sure that’s happened to Jose at least 2 times..
So is this a goaltender issue or just a clue that at a minimum of 7 times the Panthers hit the Ice NOT mentally prepared to play that night??

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G11A 2/9
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Feb 10, 2012 1:28 PM EST reply actions

Marky did it vs MTL too if I recall correctly

I’m putting here for reflection later on in the season…. #14 Tomas [Fleischmann] is getting a 40G season. FLASH COUNT: 17G/21A
by RPC on Sep 17, 2011 5:20 PM MDT
Find me on Twidduh And look at my Marmots

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions

Great Scott- that would make it 8 times….

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G11A 2/9
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Feb 10, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions

Alright he we go:

10/21 Theo vs NYI, 1:01 to Streit (W)
11/18 Theo vs PIT 1:09 to Kunitz (W)
12/1 Theo vs LAK 1:35 to Johnson (L)
12/3 Clemmensen vs SJS 1:16 to Couture (W)
12/30 Clemmensen vs NYR 0:35 to Hagelin (L)
1/12 Clemmensen vs PIT 1:49 to Sullivan (L)
1/16 Clemmensen vs BOS 1:20 to Bergeron (SOL)
2/3 Clemmensen vs TBL 1:37 to Thompson (L)
2/8 Clemmensen vs WSH 0:13 to Perrault (L)

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

Since the loss on 12/30, we’ve gone 6-5-4. I;d say its a combination of shaky goaltending and a lame showing by the rest of the team. Like the PIT, TBL and WSH losses.

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

Essentially.. not being mentally prepared for the game…

I hereby predict Captain Mike Weaver #43 will score 6G 20A -RCR 0G11A 2/9
Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Feb 11, 2012 8:16 AM EST up reply actions

THN take on potential buyout candidates should the the new cba include an amnesty period. I would think Jovo’s deal would be seriously considered. Check it out

by Sycamore on Feb 10, 2012 1:47 PM EST reply actions

yeah, never liked that contract from the get go and like it even less now.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/44701-Proteau-Teambyteam-buyout-candidates-Pt-1.html

sorry having trouble with link

by Sycamore on Feb 10, 2012 1:48 PM EST reply actions

Disagree with the writer’s take on Bergenheim being a candidate under that scenario. He’s been pretty good when healthy.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

Shawinigan defenseman Jonathan Racine has been suspended five games for an illegal hit to the head on Sea Dogs forward Jonathan Huberdeau.

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 2:16 PM EST reply actions

Huberdeau was dazed but played and scored the game winning goal

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

Gritty… I like it

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

Take that whoever Racine plays for!

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions

Um… isn’t it us?

:(){ :|:& };:

by Spencer-IV on Feb 10, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Well, his junior team anyways

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions

Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:37 PM EST up reply actions

So much for the “being future teammates” idea of not hurtin each other.

by MrOmnipotent on Feb 10, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions

Taking a guess here, but Racine was on the outside looking in

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:37 PM EST up reply actions

Third round pick. Not that far outside.

by MrOmnipotent on Feb 11, 2012 4:05 AM EST up reply actions

Aw jeez. Hope he’s alright. :/

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Feb 10, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

Not the first time these guys have met

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6zwW_HqlTE

by thnkout on Feb 10, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

As for the buyout i completely agree with buying out jovo…its hard to discard the calming presence and leadership he brings, but he is simply just too slow for this game…also with gudbranson, ellerby, and strachan playing solid D, jovo is just the odd man out in my mind.
Also, i hope sammy, madden, and sturm do not return next season..
i rlly like santorelli and what he brings (speed, and depth with a scoring touch) so i dont agree with those saying he should be traded. its not always easy to find a 3rd line player that can score some goals.

by Nick Lepore on Feb 10, 2012 2:35 PM EST reply actions

Heard that the organization might hire him to work (scout, coach) if he retires this or next season.

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t mind having Sammy back next year. He’s still a good player.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

what’s wrong with sammy?

by eliran2 on Feb 10, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

He’ll be 36 next season and blocking a spot for Howden, who was rumored to make the team before his concussion.

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

he may not be blocking a spot for QH depending on who else is let go. Madden and Sturm will likely not be back and there will probably be other changes. Sammy is getting up there in years though.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Not even sure if Sammy will make it past the trade deadline.

A lil thunder and a lil lightning is what the Cats are going to bring this year.

by trinidaddy on Feb 10, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

hard to see them trading Sammy despite his contract status. He is a player that can help them make the playoffs.
But I guess if they can flip him to a team looking for an expiring contract for a younger helpful player than they’d do it.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 11, 2012 7:09 AM EST up reply actions

I’d like to keep Sammy if he agrees to a 1-2 year contract

by Chris S Roberts on Feb 10, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

Same here. I think he’s been an important piece so far.

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Feb 10, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

Keep Sammy, ditch Upshall

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 5:21 PM EST up reply actions

How dare Upshall have sports hernia surgery!

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 6:41 PM EST up reply actions

How exactly do you “ditch” him? He’s got three more seasons at $3.5M per…not an easy contract to move, moreso considering his health this year

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

+1

CFS93

by chesterbardo on Feb 10, 2012 9:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

yeah, it’s going to be hard to ditch some of the contracts that didn’t work out this season. I guess if you can ditch Olesz you can ditch anyone. Should be interesting to see how they handle that going forward the next couple seasons. Upshall can come back and be a useful player. He deserves a second chance. Jovo? hard to see him being any better next season. Haven’t been thrilled with Kopecky either. He does some things well but he’s carrying a big minus. I expected a little more from him. I know the injuries are part of it but there are a few guys who’s play has really tailed off since the beginning of the season.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 11, 2012 7:18 AM EST up reply actions