Litter Box Cats, a Florida Panthers community

I'm guessing that Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk, Florida's Dale Tallon and Minnesota's Chuck Fletcher have the same writer. Witness their statements after firing their head coaches in recent days. Nieuwendyk: "I would like to thank Marc (Crawford) for the hard work he provided to the Dallas Stars. We wish him the best in the future." Tallon: "The entire Panthers organization would like to thank Peter (DeBoer) for his hard work and service to this franchise and wish him all the best in the future." Fletcher: "I would like to thank Todd (Richards) for the hard work he provided to the Minnesota Wild organization the last two seasons and wish him the best in the future."

"On behalf of the Pittsburgh Penguins, I want to congratulate Chuck Fletcher on his new position with the Minnesota Wild and thank him for three tremendous years of service to our organization.

"At the same time, we are excited by the opportunity to promote Jason Botterill to Assistant General Manager. Jason is one of the bright young executives in hockey, and he has made major contributions to the success we have had the past two seasons. We expect a seamless transition, because Jason has worked closely with Chuck and me in all facets of hockey operations."

According to NHL sources, the Star Tribune has learned that the Wild has agreed to terms with Pittsburgh Penguins assistant General Manager Chuck Fletcher to replace Doug Risebrough, who was fired April 16. An announcement is expected Friday.