Working late today, so we’ll throw a few notes out for open discussion:
As was widely expected, defenseman Keaton Ellerby has been recalled from Rochester, filling the role previously occupied by Jason Garrison (groin strain). After only one game in an Amerks uniform, can Ellerby make the Florida position his own?
The Sun-Sentinel’s Harvey Fialkov is reporting via Twitter that oft-injured forward Byron Bitz will be on the shelf for up to six weeks following sports hernia surgery performed Tuesday. Since acquiring the Saskatoon native at the 2010 trade deadline, Bitz has appeared in just seven games with the Panthers.
Wonderful news from The Florida Panthers Foundation via the South Florida Business Journal: Broward General Medical Center’s pediatric oncology unit will be receiving a $400,000 donation for a revamp of the facilities at the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. From the Journal:
As part of the renovation, the walls are now filled with Panthers-themed colors, designs and graphics. The floor of the entryway to the unit now looks like the team’s home ice at the BankAtlantic Center.
Team presser here.
As for the Rick Rypien debacle, the forward has been suspended indefinitely until a league hearing can be held. Time to push for cameras in that courtroom.
Game Chat goes LIVE at 7pm tomorrow in advance of Cats/Stars. Floor’s yours…