The three day Christmas break is over and the NHL will return from its brief slumber with ten games on the slate tonight. The Panthers are not in action, so they will get an extra day to prepare for their third tilt of the season against the Detroit Red Wings tomorrow night at the BB&T Center. The Cats have already posted two wins over the Wings earlier this month. Florida gets right back at it on Sunday afternoon versus the Montreal Canadiens.
The 2014 World Junior Championship started off yesterday in Malmo, Sweden. 2013 second round pick Ian McCoshen suited up for Team USA in the Americans easy 5-1 win over the Czech Republic. The 18-year-old defenseman finished the game with no points, one shot on goal and a plus one rating.
In roster news, the Panthers have sent Jacob Markstrom and Alex Petrovic back down to the Rampage. Goaltender Tim Thomas has been activated from injured reserve and is likely to start against the Red Wings. San Antonio will return to AHL action tonight with a home game against cross-state rivals, the Texas Stars. The two teams will meet yet again tomorrow night in Cedar Park.
Well, that about covers it, Panthers-wise. There are two divisional games to follow tonight as the Senators (a team the Cats must pass as they chase the Maple Leafs) are in Boston to face the Atlantic-leading Bruins, while Toronto will welcome the Buffalo Sabres to town. Getting wins from Boston and especially Buffalo would be a nice way to head into the weekend. As always, your input below would be much appreciated.