BOSTON -- A day after the Panthers practiced in historic Boston Arena on the Northeastern University campus, the Cats were back at the new Garden.
Hard to believe, but Florida has won two straight here.
The Panthers are trying to win their fourth road game of the season, and a win tonight would be their first weekend win of the season. Florida is winless in nine Saturday night games and 0-1 on Sunday as well.
THE NEWS: Alex Auld, oops, Ed Belfour in net tonight. Eddie's second straight start.
-- JM said he wants to keep Florida's group of defensemen together for a long time. Said while Bryan Allen is struggling, he is one of the guys who is going to turn the team around. Sure Bryan appreciated such words. For the most part, Florida's d-men are signed for a few years, although signing Bo to a long-term deal will be of utmost importance in a few years. He's locked in contractually through next season, then is a restricted FA in 2008-09. If not signed, Bo can walk in the summer of 2009. Yeah, that's a long ways away, but....
-- No update on Weiss or Kolnik just yet.
-- Had the Bobby Orr Steak Sandwich at the Fours today. The sandwich might just be better than the player it's named after. Orr might just agree with me. Wow.
-- Will speak to Boston's Phil Kessel tonight as he addresses the press for the first time since he underwent cancer surgery earlier this week. Glad to see he is feeling up to going out in public.
Best of wishes to Kessel for a speedy and successful recovery.
Posted by: kris | December 16, 2006 at 07:12 PM
ff Jacques genuinley feels Bryan Allen is the one who is going to turn this teams' fortunes around we are in trouble. that guy has been nothing short of god-awful all season long. he's always out of position and running around like a chicken with his head cut off. he looks absolutley clueless out there. i don't much merit in the +/- stat - but Allen's -15 is pretty indicitave of his play.
Agreed Bouwmeester needs to be signed long term - and soon. He had a rough night last night, but for the most part is as solid as can be. I like Van Ryn, Salei and even Mezei as well. Mez needs to be more aggressive, though.
Posted by: alex | December 17, 2006 at 05:18 PM