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Minnesota-Denver Friday on NBC Sports Net

Hello again Litter Box Cats readers and Panthers fans. My name is Nathan Wells and I'm the assistant editor over at SB Nation Minnesota. One of the things I do is cover Gopher hockey and get the chance to see and talk to Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau.

Instead of giving an update on both Florida prospects like I normally do, I thought with tonight's game against Denver being nationally broadcast on NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus) it would be nice to give a quick scouting report on what to look for. With the Panthers off, it's still a good night to watch some hockey (unless you're cool and have Friday night plans) because almost every Florida college prospect is on national TV. My focus is on the Minnesota-Denver game but Connor Brickley (Vermont) plays in the early NBC Sports Net game, Corban Knight (North Dakota) and Joe Basaraba (Minnesota Duluth) face off on CBS Sports Net and Zach Hyman (Michigan) is on BTN if that's available.

The Gophers-Pioneers game is the biggest, however, with five Florida prospects playing. Denver has Drew Shore, Sam Brittain and John Lee with Rau and Bjugstad playing for Minnesota.

More on Minnesota-Denver after the jump discussing how to spot and what to look for in the players.

Ed. Note: Feel free to utilize this post as an Open Thread for this evening's games.

Star-divide

Some quick basics:

19-9-1 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. 15-9-4 Denver Pioneers

Game Time: 10:00 PM EST Friday February 10th

TV Schedule: NBC Sports Network (find channel here)
Announcers: Gord Miller & Mike Greenlay

Location: Magness Arena, Denver, CO

What to Look For With The Florida Panthers Prospects:

Minnesota:
#27 C Nick Bjugstad - Plays on a line with #7 Kyle Rau and #24 Zach Budish (Nashville Predators). Leads the Gophers with 33 points and is second in the nation with 21 goals. Besides the scoring touch, look for Bjugstad's chemistry with Rau, vision with making passes and even smaller things like face-offs (he went perfect over two periods a couple weeks ago).

#7 LW Kyle Rau - Things to look for with Rau are his ability to crash the net for a guy who is 5'8", 170 lbs, use his speed in the corners and two-way hockey. He can come out of nowhere to take away an odd-man rush opportunity.

Denver:
#15 C Drew Shore - Plays on a line with #12 Ty Loney and # 18 Luke Salazzar. Leads the Pioneers with 40 points, which is fourth in the nation, and goals with 17. He's the top-line center but DU's top-six is more of a 1A and 1B (with Drew's brother Nick centering that line). Besides being a top playmaker and scoring option, look for Shore's play in all three zones.

#1 G Sam Brittain - The talk out of Denver is that Brittain will be playing both games this weekend so it would be a shock if he's on the bench. He's only played twice this year after postseason knee surgery so keep that in mind in terms of lateral movement and playing in a butterfly position.

#5 D John Lee - Senior defenseman who spent last weekend playing with #21 Joey LaLeggia. Lee is the more defensive of the two with 11 points to LaLeggia's 29 and is not afraid to get dirty. The physical battle between the two teams is one of the question marks this weekend but regardless look for Lee to be a guy who will block shots and step in when needed.

Hope that helps everyone and as always, if you have questions feel free to ask them in the comments or find me on Twitter @gopherstate. Enjoy the game tonight...or tomorrow on DVR if you're cool and have Friday night plans.

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Nathan, do you know the channel number on directv for cbs sports net off the top of your head.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 10, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions  

Not off the top of my head...

…but looked it up and CBS Sports Net is 613 on Direct TV.

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 5:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Whoops my bad.

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 9:14 PM EST up reply actions  

no it’s 613. thanks. Was in the car and wanted my wife to set the DVR. 603 is NBC Sports Channel.

118 days until Prometheus

by Todd Little on Feb 11, 2012 6:59 AM EST up reply actions  

Great work as always!

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 5:05 PM EST reply actions  

Indeed. Off to dinner than I’m on to this.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 6:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh awesome, give me something to watch tonight. Thanks!

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 6:19 PM EST reply actions  

I don’t know who to root for!

by Alexander Calloway on Feb 10, 2012 8:59 PM EST reply actions  

The Bears

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions  

And another Bueller comment falls on deaf ears thanks to a league with a team named “Black Bears”. I’ll take the fall for this one.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:21 PM EST up reply actions  

Things not going Vermont’s way so far

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:19 PM EST reply actions  

Basaraba just got a 5 + game in Duluth. Horrible hit from behind on Nick Matson and really deserved the game misconduct.

North Dakota’s up 2-0 towards the end of the 2nd as UMD looks like they’re imploding.

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 9:39 PM EST reply actions  

Yea I saw it, looked worse on replay. Dangerous because the defender was about 5 feet off the boards in that “danger zone” where a check can turn in to a broken neck. Refs got the call absolutely correct, otherwise a great game. That second goal for ND was because of that horrible turn over, someone didn’t pick his head up before the pass

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Minutes away…get it on

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:56 PM EST reply actions  

Drew Shore…and Bjugstad!!

National TV kids!

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 9:57 PM EST reply actions  

That’s a lot of Cat picks in the opener

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:01 PM EST reply actions  

It’s weird watching Mike Greenlay (who is normally the Wild analyst) do Gopher games.

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 10:02 PM EST reply actions  

Is that where he’s been? Certainly knew the name

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Need to get some Russo attention

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:06 PM EST up reply actions  

He's watching

Just saw him tweet it.

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 10:10 PM EST up reply actions  

What a duo

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:02 PM EST reply actions  

This is gonna be a fun game to watch

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:09 PM EST up reply actions  

Sammy!

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

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

Woohoo Panthers shout-out!

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:11 PM EST reply actions  

Endless

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:13 PM EST up reply actions  

John Lee, 5th round, 2007

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:14 PM EST reply actions  

Drew Shore IS Denver

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:15 PM EST reply actions  

And he just took a penalty

Wait…too soon?

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 10:18 PM EST up reply actions  

All part of the Master Plan, obviously

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Dude is huge

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:20 PM EST up reply actions  

First time watching Bjugstad non-YouTube, absolutely loving the hands and vision so far. He’s so smooth out there with the puck on his stick

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:17 PM EST reply actions  

Same here; similar thoughts on a few of the others as well so far

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Haven’t really notice Rau, but the game at the moment doesn’t have my undivided attention. What line does he play on? And PP/PK?

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions  

Nick’s linemate, right?

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok I’ll pay more attention lol

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Not a certainty…hence my question :)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t get much NCAA hockey on the local affiliates down this way

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

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

Yes

He’s on the Left Wing if that makes things easier.

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 10:28 PM EST up reply actions  

Thank you, sir…was under the impression they traveled together

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Oh, Sam…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:25 PM EST reply actions  

Brutal wrister

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:25 PM EST reply actions  

And Denver comes storming back!

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:35 PM EST reply actions  

Huh…didn’t expect this result so early

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:36 PM EST reply actions  

Both teams have high-flying offenses but Minnesota’s D has been good over the last month.

And I caught Rau not moving his feet. That’s a rarity.

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 10:39 PM EST reply actions  

His agility is one of his strengths, yes? Seem to recall that on numerous scouting reports

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:43 PM EST up reply actions  

It is...

Rau showed it on a couple late shifts in the first but he, like most of Minnesota, were flat and slow out of the gate.

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 10:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Need some Michigan news

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:48 PM EST reply actions  

Lost 3-2 to Michigan State.

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 10:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Anything from Hyman?

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:52 PM EST up reply actions  

Sick save

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:48 PM EST reply actions  

GREAT play

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:49 PM EST reply actions  

Damn come on Minni, don’t let this one get away, want a good game here

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:50 PM EST reply actions  

Agreed, expecting a bit more

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Tell you what, Drew Shore seems to be everywhere, always around the puck or going to where the puck will be, impressive quality to have

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:53 PM EST reply actions  

Makes this matchup all the more fascinating, considering expectations for Bjugstad

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Love it, can’t wait to see both of them in red playing in Sunrise. 2nd period I would like to see Bjudstad get a little open ice and see what he can do with it, and with Shore the opposite, kind of intrigued to see how he plays in even tighter spaces, corners and such with the puck

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 10:57 PM EST up reply actions  

Agreed on all points, just wish NCAA would relax the “rookie camp” restrictions

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Brittain’s got his moments

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 10:53 PM EST reply actions  

Exciting to get a preview of our top picks. Hope Drew Shore signs with us again.

Seeing Red since 1994.

by coasterg on Feb 10, 2012 11:03 PM EST reply actions  

This is likely unequaled in Florida prospect history. And Shore is a Sexton pick, while Lee roots back to Martin. Three wildly varying regimes.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:07 PM EST up reply actions  

Underway!

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:12 PM EST reply actions  

Rau and Bjustad! Beautiful garbage goal, right place right time!

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:15 PM EST reply actions  

That’s a prototypical Kyle Rau goal! New game!

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 11:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Just a little bit. Not sure where the “6 shutouts in 13 games” Patterson went but that’s a horribly soft goal. Second sharp-angle goal given up in two games.

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 11:23 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s an incredible record, NCAA or otherwise

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions  

And by garbage goal I meant awesome rebound :-)

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Pouring it on

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:19 PM EST reply actions  

Get the puck to the net and good things happen, hockey 1-0-1. Awful goal to let in

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:20 PM EST reply actions  

This could have repercussions…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:26 PM EST reply actions  

Now if only they’ll bring this intensity to Florida..

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:26 PM EST reply actions  

Zucker down. Vulnerable position and raising up on the hit. Ouch

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:27 PM EST reply actions  

Rau is out

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:28 PM EST reply actions  

Whats he getting tossed for? Pulling a Chara?

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:28 PM EST reply actions  

Sounds that way

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:28 PM EST up reply actions  

he was facing him.. made contact with the shoulders first.. and never left his feet.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Arms came up and led the hit, looked like he was targeting the head. Not to mention he flew in. I’d like just a 5 better, but like I said I understand the 5+game

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Eh it was a pretty high hit to an unknowing recipient (no idea he was coming). I can understand if he gets a 5+game

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions  

dude was facing his direction…

he’s gotta man up and brace himself

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:30 PM EST up reply actions  

Well, sorta

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Bull****

Rau got tossed for the injury.

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 11:29 PM EST reply actions  

Didn’t see any intent there

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:31 PM EST up reply actions  

theyve played together, highly doubt there was any intent.. Im not liking these college hockey rules and penalties..

It’s what the NHL would be like if gretzky was in charge. bleh

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:34 PM EST up reply actions  

We already saw that: Coyotes, 2005

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions  

Honestly tho…NHL is no different

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions  

eh, it is a little bit..

that cute little spinning dance while holding sticks was nice too. Since no fighting is allowed.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Details aside, this should make for an interesting rookie camp in July

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:30 PM EST reply actions  

Sick part is we’re not yet halfway through yet

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:33 PM EST reply actions  

Nice on the Tallon reference. And if Dale isn’t glued to the tube tonight he ain’t doing the dirty work.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:36 PM EST reply actions  

Loooooong on the whistle.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:37 PM EST reply actions  

What. A. Goal.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:39 PM EST reply actions  

Wow Patterson looks crappy. Not the easiest shot in the world but far from the hardest. Beautiful goal though

by HockeyKnight on Feb 10, 2012 11:39 PM EST reply actions  

Truly sick. Stuff that gets a kid noticed.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Ok, talking to a bud whos a hawks fan and shes always saying how badly they need a d-man someone who can work with their young guys and help them develop etc.. So I said to her I would trade Weaver and a 2nd rounder for Bolland and prospect Brandon Saad. Instantly got a no from her.

Is my trade that far off or do people really just underestimate Weavers abilities that much?

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:47 PM EST reply actions  

and obviously it’s all hypothetical.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 10, 2012 11:49 PM EST up reply actions  

FLA already has Campbell, yes?

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:49 PM EST up reply actions  

I’ll never understand the love for Bolland: $3.375M last year for 37 points (15 goals) in 61 games, and his numbers mirror that this season.

Whatever…really think Weaver is That Guy? They are missing a Campbell.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 10, 2012 11:53 PM EST up reply actions  

Campbells game suffered big time because of kieth and seabrook whom they seem to refuse to split up on the top pair so having a player such as him on the lower pairings with younger guys will do nothing but hurt his game while someone like weaver wont have his game changed much as he’s constantly back on defense covering the play no matter who hes with.

Bolland is also very good defensively and had played with steeger and kopecky in the past and made up a very good line for them so he’d already have some chemistry if he were to come over.

Plus his contract is no worse than Upshalls who when healthy was on pace for 4 goals and a 12 point season while making 3.5 mil

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:04 AM EST up reply actions  

plus last season upshall only had 34 pts with 22 goals.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:04 AM EST up reply actions  

Upshall has yet to play more than 61 games in a season, and that’s only happened twice since 2005-06.

Agreed on Bolland’s defensive assets as a forward – a younger Madden – so the guy’s got a long career ahead of him.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:12 AM EST up reply actions  

Madden was exactly who I was thinking of when typing about Bolland but didnt want to make the reference and cause an uproar incase anyone reading disagreed lol

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions  

Great Minds (!)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions  

This is the second time this week I’m gonna threaten to shiv you in a dark alley for throwing around The Weavs in yer trade fantasies!

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 11, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions  

gotta improve the team yeah? while the defensive loss would suck theres always someone who would step up and fill the gap somewhere. Besides you can keep being a fan of a guy when he’s not with the team you like. I still follow Kane and crosby and bared with the fact that i had to watch toronto and philly games when steeger was there

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:46 AM EST up reply actions  

I cant bear to think of the defense without Weaver(though Ellerby is becoming a good defensive defenseman . We need to find a way to clone him before he retires, as a Panther, as would be fitting.

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 11, 2012 12:51 AM EST up reply actions  

5-3 Denver after 2

That’s one of the more ridiculous periods I’ve seen this year.

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 11, 2012 12:03 AM EST reply actions  

I’m just thrilled to see NCAA pucks. It really is that rare here.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:16 AM EST up reply actions  

If you get NBC Sports Net, there’s usually a game on every Friday.

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 11, 2012 12:23 AM EST up reply actions  

Seen that lately – and HUGE kudos to the new channel – will be promoting each week’s games in the Friday Caterwauls from here on out.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Cool!

I’m hoping to do something with SB Nation in terms of the national college games but we’ll see. Definitely think there’s something with the number of college prospects and games on TV.

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 11, 2012 12:48 AM EST up reply actions  

Gonna take a combined effort, and I’m thrilled to see FLA with an exceptional interest. Count us in.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:50 AM EST up reply actions  

Btw.. Im beginning to hate how detroit is so consistantly good.

Btw.. Im beginning to hate how detroit is so consistantly good.19 straight home wins

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:13 AM EST reply actions  

How it’s supposed to be. No love for it, but that’s Da Wings.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions  

I liked them when they had their battles with colorado and the russian 5.. and the incredible 82-0 season in 95-96. (yes thats an exageration) lol

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:16 AM EST up reply actions  

An exaggeration but not off by much…that was an incredible year: 62-13-7…finished 37 points ahead of CHI in the division

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Without Marc Bergevin’s veteran leadership (10 points), it’s unlikely the Wings would have cleared 20 victories

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:24 AM EST up reply actions  

That rivalry with the Avs is long gone, the series sweep when DET won the Cup made sure of it.

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 11, 2012 12:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Bjugstad is buzzin’

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:22 AM EST reply actions  

Toews 9/16, Bolland 3/8, Kruger 4/11, Mayers 2/5, Sharp 2/2, Frolik 2/4 in FO dots

Toews really is doing it all lately.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:23 AM EST reply actions  

Olesz has yet to appear…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions  

hes top candidate to be bought out

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Would think so, with only 2 years remaining (at $3.125M).

That contract has to rate as one of the most insane over the past decade. And I defended it at the time, assuming he’d blossom.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Buyout info here

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Donny, check Chris’ newest tweet to me and try to help me out with an answer hint hint

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:31 AM EST reply actions  

NBC Sports Network? Best I can do ;(

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Only one I am aware of

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Eh, oh well. I’ll live

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 11, 2012 12:34 AM EST up reply actions  

NBC Sports Net is the new Versus, correct? I never had VS to begin with, so I wasnt aware of the switch

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 11, 2012 12:40 AM EST up reply actions  

You had mentioned that in the past…my bad. They’re doing some really good stuff with hockey in recent days.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:42 AM EST up reply actions  

So, been out to see my first ever ECHL game, the Colorado Eagles vs the Stockton Thunder. It was bland, but I guess thats what you get watching a team of Jets prospects!

I was actually more excited with the SA Cincy games, both victories!

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 11, 2012 12:37 AM EST reply actions  

The Everblades are a consistent winner; terrific organization. Cool unis too :)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:39 AM EST up reply actions  

Looks like Brent

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:51 AM EST up reply actions  

it’s apparently from some ‘fantasy camp’ event he holds each year http://www.gretzky.com/

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:53 AM EST up reply actions  

could you imagine, amonte chelios roenick belfour etc etc and gretzky.. jeez

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:56 AM EST up reply actions  

Video of the Rau hit on Zucker

Here You Go.

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 11, 2012 12:49 AM EST reply actions  

Certainly got tweaked…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Feb 11, 2012 12:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Ouch. Couldnt be any later…

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 11, 2012 12:53 AM EST up reply actions  

this is exactly what i was saying when the hit happened…

guy didnt man up and brace himself for the hit

by Rob PKane McMahon on Feb 11, 2012 12:58 AM EST reply actions  

Once you pass the puck, you shouldnt expect to get hit A) 3 seconds afterwards B) from behind of all places, because its a dirty play. I’d expect Rau to get suspended, which he would deserve. Just a dumb play.

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 11, 2012 1:02 AM EST up reply actions  

Anyhow, ’night all. Sorry Nate, but glad my DU boys won!

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 11, 2012 1:03 AM EST reply actions  

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