Litter Box Cats, a Florida Panthers community

Among the topics, via George Richards: Santorelli, Bitz, Bernier, Gudbranson, Vokoun, Cullen, Gord Murphy, Rick Dudley, Pete DeBoer, and a somewhat bizarre (by today's standard) reference by Mike Santos to Tiger Woods and the color red.

From OFP: Not only did (Stephen) Weiss get rammed hard into the side boards by rookie defenseman Erik Gudbranson during a scrimmage, but he also traded punches with Rostislav Olesz during practice (Monday). Phenomenal. As GR goes on to point out, Olesz went on a bit of tear after the altercation. Any of this sound similar to Nathan Horton's performance when he - too infrequently - played mad? Got to like this. With A LOT of positive consistency, Rusty may yet win some hearts and minds.

From the Democrat and Chronicle's Kevin Oklobzija: Some outside the (Florida) organization speculate that whoever is hired to coach the Amerks could be considered to be the next Panthers' coach, should the NHL team stumble or miss the playoffs again under current coach Peter DeBoer. DeBoer was hired by former GM Jacques Martin, worked last season under the most recent former general manager, Randy Sexton, and has no direct ties to Tallon, who was hired in May. More on the coaching search and Tallon's appearance at next week's U.S. Senior Open above.

DeBoer joins Edmonton's Billy Moores in backing up head coach Craig MacTavish for May tournament.

From the Democrat and Chronicle: (Florida's) farm team is doing a nose-dive and no one wanted to see first-hand what’s going on? Do they realize the prospects are showing they don’t know how to win — again. Oh, wait, DeBoer and company see that every night with the big team. Big thanks to On Frozen Pond; GR's comments can be found here. More to come on this in a bit.

Florida's Cory Stillman: "Once winter comes, every lake and pond turns into a rink. And when you hear that Hockey Night in Canada music start, you stop everything and gather around the TV with your family and friends." A great article from Michelle Kaufman.

From Allan Muir: This is a team so bereft of offensive firepower that coach Peter DeBoer already has said that he's counting on several young players to have career years, and others to maintain last season's career bests. Uh-huh. Probably hoping for 82 games out of everyone, too.