Another Tuesday, another game for the Cats, who have played seven times (of eight possible) on this particular day of the week through the 2013 schedule. How have they fared? 2-3-2, though the numbers have recently swung into Florida’s favor somewhat over the past three Tuesday matches: a 2-1 record featuring 12GF with 8GA.
Factor in this evening’s opponent and that rosy stat takes a dreadful turn: the Panthers are 2-7-0-1 all-time vs Carolina on Tuesdays (1-6 in Raleigh!), but whatever. Despite that sorry history we’re here to watch the kids.
Not much to note at this point in the day beyond Rampage brawler Eric Selleck (181 penalty minutes in 60 AHL games through 2012-13) making his probable NHL debut tonight in place of injured captain Ed Jovanovski, who isn’t even on the trip, and stealthy offensive dynamo TJ Brennan‘s second appearance on the Florida blueline.
NOTE: My “whoops” moment, #1 (stay tuned for more of these): Selleck – a forward, of course – replaces George Parros, not Jovo. Coffee please. (and big thanks to @catfishphins via Twitter for the heads-up!) Onward…
Kinda OT: San Antonio will host the Panthers and Dallas Stars (or more accurately, a boatload of each organization’s prospects with a sprinkling of veterans) in an exhibition match at the AT&T Center on September 20. Essentially this represents a make-good with the Rampage after the cancellation of last fall’s event featuring the same clubs due to the then-looming NHL lockout. Order has now been restored to the universe.
Back to this evening…y’alls Carolina needs can be attended to by the great folks at Canes Country, so do take a stroll on over yonder. The LBC Live GameThread gets rolling at 6:30. Anything comes up before then, share it below.