The Philadelphia Junior Ice Girls, Atlantic regional Under-18 champions. “Hey, second from right…nice shoes. NEXT! Huh…discuss it? Wellll, ok…”
Flyers @ Cats, 7:30pm, BankAtlantic Center, FSN-FL (HD!)
Panthers: 20-16-6 46P, 3rd in SE Flyers: 23-12-5 55P, 2nd in ATL
LAST 10: FLA: 5-3-2 PHI: 4-4-2
HOME & AWAY: FLA (H): 10-5-3 PHI (A): 9-7-6
SEASON SERIES: Game 1 of 4
ALL-TIME: 34-20-7 PHI
PROMOTIONS / EVENTS: “Pick-A-Prize” Fundraiser
TICKETS: Ticketmaster
The Panthers return home from a five day layoff seeking to continue their massive point-accumulation campaign, which thanks to a lack of success by rivals in Carolina, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh, the Cats remain as close to a playoff spot as ever in the last decade, this late in the season.
AT THE ENDS
Technically backing up Martin Biron and possessing a name only this chick could love, Nitty is 3-2-0-1 against Florida lifetime. He is currently 2-1-2 in his past five. Guess that’s okay for a sixth-rounder.
T-Vo is 3-4-2-0 when facing off against the Flyers. Not terrible, but not bad for a 9th round choice. Vokoun’s rattled off three straight wins.
Pondering the weight of his destiny, Panthers’ winger David Booth (left) is counseled by guest coach Scotty Bowman: “Stop the Flyers, you must. On this, all the season depends…And oh yeah, while you’re up: all these worlds are yours except Europa; attempt no landings there. And pick me up some Cheez-Wiz, boy.”
When will the Florida Panthers get to be host of one? After all, NASCAR started on a beach in Daytona — and look at how well they’ve done.
– Calgary Sun’s Crash Cameron on bringing the Winter Classic to “non-traditional” markets
BATTERED AND BRUISED
Hi, I Ville. My foot hurt. I play anyway.
Ville Peltonen’s got a bum foot but has claimed he will play. Murphy is healthy and remains available having cleared waivers for the second time. Kreps is still several days from return though appears to have lost the centerman’s job to a suddenly effective Nathan Horton…for the moment.
Little-known fact: though as a whole benign, some Flyers’ fans have been accused of mean-spiritedness through the years. The evidence remains weak.
DIVISIONALLY SPEAKING
- The Lightning hosted Philadelphia on the eve of a significant conference battle in Sunrise. Of course, the Bolts won 4-1, making the Flyers mad. Who’s next on their schedule? Ummmm? Soon-to-be-ex-Tampa Bay-er (?) Martin St. Louis had two assists.
- Well, we’ve been waiting, so here it is: All sorts of action in Raleigh, as Jason Blake of the Leafs collected a hat trick while sinking the Hurricanes 6-4, despite a furious comeback attempt by the Whalers home doods. Carolina remains one point ahead of Florida./
THE CHASE FOR EIGHTH…AND BEYOND
- In Dallas, the Sabres’ Jason Pominville scored the winner in the cop-out shootout, capping a ferocious comeback by the visitors, who scored three goals in the third to force a skills comp. Buffalo now holds a 3-point lead over Florida. Thanks Stars…I liked you a whole lot better with Avery in the lineup./
TONIGHT IN THE SOUTHEAST
- Toronto @ Atlanta, 7:30p. Naturally high following their victory over Carolina, the 40-point Leafs head south to Philips Arena for a meeting with the sorry Thrashers. Pension Plan Puppets, Bird Watchers Anonymous/
KEEP YOUR EYE ON…
- Anaheim @ Pittsburgh, 7:30p. The Pens host the Ducks at a crucial stage of their season, as increasing the 46 current points is the A-1 priority. Not that The Box is interested. Battle of California, PensBurgh/
LITTER BOX LINERS
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Sun-Sentinel: Injured foot won’t keep Pelts out, “miraculous”
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Miami Herald: Pelts to play Blog: Andy’s mask, Peltonen’s “non” injury, notes
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Palm Beach Post: Campbell a scorer?
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Philadelphia Inquirer: Briere a Phantom, Timonen out
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AP via NHL.com: game preview
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AccuScore projection via The Sporting News
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The Spread: game preview
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Mirtle’s Playoff Push
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Panthers website
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Flyers website
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DolPhanDave’s preview
THE FAR REACHES OF THE BLOGOSPHERE
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Cat Scratch (FLA)
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Panthers on the Prowl (FLA)
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Eager to go Psycho (PHI)
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Flyers Fan Central (PHI)
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The Flyer Frequent (PHI)
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Flying “P” (PHI)
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Broad Street Bull (PHI)
NEXT ON TAP FOR THE CATS
Panthers @ Lightning, tomorrow evening.