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Thursday wasn't kind to your Florida Bobcats (old Arena football reference for ya).
Not only did Florida slip farther back in the standings with Carolina and Washington winning, but the Lightning won and are now just two points back of the Cats.
And to make matters worse, here comes a very desperate - if not very good - Vancouver team.
Yes, these Panthers could be sellers very soon.
Lightning lead the Luongos 4-2 with less than seven minutes left to play. Old pal Chris Gratton with a goal for the Bolts.
Big game on the schedule tomorrow, the Fighting Luongos traveling all the way from someplace called 'British Columbia' to play the slinking Panthers.
The Canucks have been struggling of late, losing seven of nine.
The good news for them, of course, is they've been granted a Florida Furlough AKA the Florida Four-point Swing. The good old days of teams getting a few days off to relax in the Sunshine State are back.
Tampa Bay and the Panthers have simply become speed bumps. Only a few teams -- Ottawa of note -- have slipped up of late. Neither team, it seems, can win at home anymore.
Coming into tonight's game, Tampa Bay has lost seven of their past eight at home. The Panthers? Everyone knows that story. Twelve of the past 15 games on home ice have gone the way of the visitor. Must be tough being a salesperson trying to make a living on this product.
-- Olli missed practice today, still fighting the stomach bug. Sure he'll be back out there tomorrow. Olli's consecutive game streak stands tall at 346 straight games. Not too shabby, eh? Last game Olli missed? Dec. 23, 2002 against Nashville. Also because of flu-like symptoms.
-- Here's some stuff gleaned from recent conversations:
Luongo: “My feelings are not the same as they were the last time,’’
he said. “I had some pent-up anger. That’s over and done with. I’ve moved on
and am excited to play. I hope to get a good reception.’’
And: “It’s been tough in regards to not being with my wife,’’
Luongo said. “With the exception of a couple of weeks in November, and I came
down for two days at Christmastime. Aside from that, we’ve been apart. It’s
nice to spend time with her and her family, especially quality time before the
baby’s born.’’
Also: “He did a lot for this team and this organization on and off
the ice. No one worked harder,’’ friend and former teammate Stephen Weiss said.
“He gave more of himself and expect nothing but full applause [from Florida
fans]. But once the game starts, he’s on the other team.’’
Then this: “I think it’s going to be real emotional for him,’’ said
Olli Jokinen, who came to Florida along with Luongo in a trade from the
Islanders in 2000. “He’s going to have a lot of friends out there.’’
(*) The Panthers are selling this game hard, even giving out
as many as 25 flat-screen TVs. Here’s the deal: they have a couple sponsors
(Sharp, a local electronics retailer) and are giving out five sets before the
game.
If Florida’s offense plays the way it has, that’ll be it. For every goal
(up to four) Florida scores, five more TVs go out to some lucky fans.
“We have to make sure it’s a lot of TVs,’’ Olli Jokinen
said.
(*) Speaking of fun: Tomas Vokoun faced at least 40 shots for the third
straight game Wednesday. He made 43 saves in a victory over Ottawa, and stopped
37 of 40 in a shootout loss to Edmonton. Wednesday, he stopped 40 of 41 in a
loss to Buffalo.
In Sunday's All-Star Game, he faced 20 shots in the second
period, giving up two goals. By my math, he would have faced 60 shots if he played the whole game. Luongo can relate.
The flu bug that has hit the Carolina and Buffalo dressing rooms seems to have moved south.
Olli Jokinen is out of tonight's game, but according to Panthers authorities, it's nothing serious. Just flu-like symptoms.
Which suck.
-- So, which is the team that played last night and which is the one that has had a week off?
Ever been to Buffalo Wild Wings? It's a sports bar chain, big in the Midwest, creeping south (think there is one in Orlando). Anyway, they call their fries 'buffalo chips.' And they're good.
That's all I got.
-- JM says Stumpel and Mezei can play tonight, and it looks like they will.
Speaking of snow: Anthony Stewart, sent back last week just to be called back on Monday, was sent back today. He travels more than I do, and I wasn't sure that was possible.
-- Saw a certain Vancouver goalie at Incredible Ice today. Louie heads to Tampa today on an afternoon flight then comes back tomorrow. Says this meeting against the Panthers is going to be different to him because "I don't have so much pent up anger" as he did last time.
Yeah, Louie seemed a little bitter that day I spoke to him in Vancouver. Today, though, it's as if the trade never happened. And after he plays at Sunrise on Friday, it'll officially be time to move on.
-- Those who have emailed me complaining that I brought Olli Jokinen into this Finnish drug story unnecessarily have to know that Olli is a small part of this story -- which, sorry to tell you, is news. Even here. And the only reason I mentioned Ville Peltonen in the story is because he and Jere Karalahti have been teammates numerous times.
The bottom line: Olli was trying to help out a friend who obviously had been lying to him. Olli is not the first person to be burned by loaning money to a friend, and he won't be the last. At least it wasn't a big sum of cash because I don't think Jere is going to be able to pay him back.
Story is here: drugs are bad, um-kay
Anthony Stewart and Tanner Glass both called up today...
ATLANTA -- The big game is still a week away, but at least we get some All-Star hockey.
Just listened to the Hives, a band from Sweden who sound pretty good despite their sound being a little distorted. Going to ask Magnum about these cats. Might have to check them out on iTunes as well.
I missed the Old 97s the other night, Usher too. All told, the music scene here in Atlanta has been pretty good. So has been the food and hospitality. All in all, a good All-Star Game experience for this guy.
And the in-house guy keeps dropping that the game is in Blueland. I wish they'd give that one a rest.
-- I'm sure I've written this before since we're in Atlanta every other week, but did you know Ted Turner has his own banner hanging from the rafters here? Actually, Ted's fingerprints are on just about every thing in this town. It's deserved. The Widespread Panic banner touting 17 sellouts? Not so much.
-- I also like Ted's Montana Grill. And TBS. Don't like the Braves.
-- Sign of the Times: Shaq and D-Wade are no longer the poster boys of the NBA All-Star Game. The large TNT billboard outside Philips touts LeBron, Kobe and Nash.
-- And congrats to the Heaters for finally snapping their losing streak last night. Was getting worried about them surpassing the 1988 losing streak to start the franchise.
-- Tomas Vokoun got a mixed response when introduced to the crowd. Hey, it's Blueland after all.
-- Still quite a few empty seats in the building....just saying...
-- Sounds like there are quite a few Wings fans in the house. They're getting a lot of love. Have also seen a lot of Calgary sweaters around town and in the hotel. They love their hockey in Keenantown...
-- The Wings contingency came to ATL in style. Parked at the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Chik-Fil-A Coke Zero Ted Turner Peachtree Ilya Kovalchuk International Airport was the Detroit Red Wings/Tigers jet. Not as nice as Air Huizenga, but pretty cool.
-- Luke D from Raleigh just asked me where Pavel Bure was. The Rocket was actually featured in a segment on Alex Ovechkin that played on the big screen before the game...
-- Tomas Vokoun now in for the East...has made a couple saves, almost gave up a goal as he misplayed a puck (remember Thursday?) and then made a kick save while getting back into the crease. East still leads 5-1.
-- T-Vo gives up a goal to Rick Nash, then makes a great save on Marian Gaborik while laying on his stomach. Afterward, Vokoun and Gabby trade high-fives. It was a nice save.
-- Calgary mascot Harvey the Hound is wearing a Flames jersey today. An ATLANTA Flames jersey. Very cool.
-- T-Vo has faced 18 shots this period. He must be thinking "what, is this a Panthers game?"
-- The second is coming to a close, the East still leading...
-- Did you know the Atlanta Hawks were once the St. Louis Hawks? Good for you if you did. No prizes today.
-- Ilya Kovalchuk picked up a loose puck and was off the races in the final seconds...got off a great shot, but a spectacular save by Evgeni Nabokov keeps the East off the board. Great buzz in the building for that. That's what the All-Star Game is all about. Anywho, 5-3 East as we head into the second break.
-- Ne-Yo performing on the ice now, backed by a 50-plus member marching band. Ever see a band high-step it on a hockey rink? I have now. Pretty good sound, even better visual.
-- Props to the NHL for realizing the mid-week All-Star experiment last year in Dallas was a big mistake. A lot more buzz surrounding this game for sure.
I'm already excited about next year's All-Star affair in Montreal. The Habs are celebrating 100 years of hockey next season and it's going to be quite the celebration.
-- Don't forget, the Panthers get back at it on Wednesday, playing host to Buffalo at the Big Bank. The team returns to practice tomorrow, might be nice to get the kids at school and head over. It's a late start, 3 p.m., so plenty of time to get over there. As always, it's free admission at Incredible Ice. Bring something to get autographs. The guys are pretty accommodating. Don't expect Vokoun to be out there though. I think he gets tomorrow off.
ATLANTA -- Just got done talking with Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun after his stint in the SuperSkills/YoungStars Game here at Alyssa Milano Arena in downtown Atlanta.
Here are Tomas' thoughts on what transpired tonight.
"It's, you know, the skill competition,'' he said laughing. "It was fun. You stand around for a while, but it was fun for the fans. I think the best was the end, where guys came up with all the different moves. That got a pretty good ovation.''
G: I think they should put celebrities on goal for the breakaway challenge.
TVo: "It should be without goalies. You don't want to pokecheck, don't want to do anything while the guys are out there doing wild stuff. Going backward and stuff. You pokecheck him there in the skate and he falls and cracks his skull. It just shows you how much skill those guys have, what they can do on the ice with a really thin stick. It's pretty amazing.''
Steve X: Would you like to see the goalies get a chance to shoot?
TVo: "I think we picked the right two guys. I'm the worst out of them. They picked the right one.''
G: What if Stumpel is in net (Vokoun and Stumpel switched places after practice a few weeks back)?
TVo: "If he has a player's stick and it's all one-timers, maybe. It was good. You do it and try and stay warm so you don't get hurt.''
Steve X: Tough facing all those rushes in the YoungStars Game no?
TVo: "It's tough because you sit around for a while and everything is uncontrollable, there's no defense. You just have to be careful when they come back and forth. You don't want to get injured. I was just trying to stay warm and enjoy it. It's not a big deal, like I said this morning. It's not about goals and who wins. It's about having fun. That's how you have to approach it.''
G: Most fun you had tonight?
TVo: "Just talking to guys, watching them do their stuff. Being part of it is the fun thing. It's a chance to see a lot of guys I play with or know and be able to talk to them.''
G: Strange being in this [Atlanta's] locker room? I'm sure it would be a lot stranger if it was Olli (since he's been in the visitor's room here about 1,436 times)...
TVo: "I don't look at it that way. We're all, guys play hard. You don't hold grudges against this guy or that guy. You play hard in the games you play, that's war. But afterward, you respect the guys who do their job. Sometimes you hate the guy who does well because it makes it tougher on you.
"You might say I could be home, sitting by the pool [this weekend], but 10 years from now I'll look back at this weekend and say 'I was at the All-Star Game and I did this or that.' That's pretty cool I think.''
G: You missed Alyssa Milano this morning. You left the interview room then she came in.
TVo: Oh really. She was? That's rough.
ATLANTA -- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the media Saturday afternoon on the Hawks' practice court and spoke on a number of issues.
Bill Daly and Colin "Soup Sr." Campbell were by Bettman's side and had a few things to add to the festivities as well.
The highlights: As we all knew, four teams are going to open next season at EuroDisney. The Bolts and Rangers will play in Prague, Sens and Pens going to Stockholm. Good for them. Also, the Rangers are going to use their training camp to take on European champ Mattalurg Magnitogorsk in the Victoria Cup.
-- The NHL says it's trying to be more sensative to the enviroment, Bettman joking "we don't want the ice to melt.''
-- Bettman says the league is playing in front of 92 percent capacity crowds. Not the games I'm going to, Gar. And I'm not ripping Florida, either. I see empty arenas all over the place. Except in Montreal.
-- Bettman says the NHL Network has been well received in the states, and I can't agree more. What a great channel. I love it. You should too.
-- Alyssa Milano joined us at media day. Didn't know if you'd heard.
-- GB adds parity is great for the league. "You have the hope,'' he said, "you have the expectation that whoever you root for has a chance to do it all.''
-- No update on the sale of the Lightning, although Bettman says he's staying on top of this group more than he did the last one.
-- A dude from a sports radio station in Vegas (Hello Mr. Bettman, this is Jack Smith from 1200 The Ticket and Team in Las Vegas, Nevada and I was wondering...) who asked about the future of hockey on the strip. Nothing new to report, but I know GB is going to get this one done. He knows hockey has to be in Vegas. Has to.
-- GB also had some statistics to say the prices of hockey tickets haven't gone up -- on average -- in five years. I faded out on that one too. I should have asked if parking fees being included in tickets counted in his survey, but didn't. I just now thought of it. Will ask next time I see him.
-- Speaking of numbers, Versus put out a release saying its ratings are up through the first half of the season. Versus has done NHL games since the start of the 2005-06 season and have signed on for three more years. I think they've done a real nice job of covering the game, although they have a ways to go in getting their network into homes. They'll never be ESPN and I think the league needs to be back on the Worldwide Leader sometime soon.
That said, Versus is giving it a great effort and treats the NHL like gold. As I've written before, that's because the NHL is gold compared the junk this network usually shows. Seriously, it's bad.
The good news: Versus ratings are up 50 percent over last year. The bad: They went from a minuscule .2 to a still pretty tiny .3
Total viewership is up 34 percent, from 196K to 262K per game. That's still a very small number but some growth is better than none. More people are watching and that's cool.
ATLANTA -- Back in the press box at Philips Arena here in a chilled Atlanta. The Hanson Brothers, err Jonas Brothers, just got done playing a concert for their many young fans whose rapid exit made it quite difficult to walk through the arena concourse.
The big news today is, of course, the arrival of Alyssa Milano. She is here promoting her new line of NHL gear that's designed for the female fan.
Ms. Milano was asked how she came about designing sportswear for women, and she said it came out of necessity. She was tired of going into team shops at stadium and finding only men's stuff. She wanted something more girlie, stuff in pink. When I told her I had the same problem, she laughed.
And that's my highlight of the day.
Seriously, though, she's a big sports fan, a season ticket holder to the Dodgers and a big fan of the L.A. Kings. Pre-Gretzky, she boasted to me. Seems like a nice enough person, seemed to enjoy being the highlight of the press area. She even bumped Eric Staal off NHL Network. When asked about it by Luke D. of the Raleigh News-Observer, Staal quipped "well, she is better looking than me.''
True that.
-- Am doing some hockey stuff today, talked to a number of the All-Stars not named Milano including Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Dave Strader.
NHL commish Gary Bettman is going to speak to the media here in a little bit, give us his state of the league address. That will probably be the focus of my next post.
-- Tomas Vokoun is here obviously, and spent close to 45 minutes doing interviews. Most of that time was spent talking to one guy who was a close talker. Vokoun's a pro, didn't seem to mind.
He says he's playing the second period of tonight's YoungStars game, doesn't know what he role will be in tomorrow's All-Star Game. Says he's real happy to be here although he looks and sounds pretty tired. I think he went straight from the arena to the hotel to sleep. Dude's been carrying a heavy workload for the Panthers this season.
If anyone deserves some rest, it's him.
ATLANTA -- Ms. Milano is in the house. And she is the hit of media day. She's also a Dodger fan, and like me, sad the Dodgers are leaving Dodgertown.
More later....
ATLANTA -- Hanging out here in not-so-Hotlanta, doing my thing as a member of the All-Star Game media throng.
Trust me, I haven't done much. Well, I had a bag of pretzels and drank a can of Diet Pepsi (seriously, I'm at a major event in Atlanta and finally found Pepsi to drink).
That's about it.
I did talk to some of the YoungStars, like Broward County's own Sam Gagner (OK, that's a real loose interpretation), David Perron and Nicklas Backstrom. Also talked to Don Waddell. He sends his regards.
-- It's pretty cold here in Peachtree City. Between the cold and the drought, I think they are going to have to replant all the grass in this city. And I'm talking about the grass on the ground.
-- Got an email today from Karen Baird at the University of Alberta -- home of the Zips. Anyway, they have a business professor there named Armann Ingolfsson who teaches management science through simulating NHL hockey games. That's my kind of science!
Anyway, by playing out the rest of the season using current winning percentages, they've figured out which teams are in the playoffs -- and which teams ain't.
Detroit? In. Minnesota? In. Carolina? Could be. The Panthers? Take a guess.
Florida has an 18 percent chance at making hockey's big dance. According to this Alberta computer, Washington and Carolina hover around 44 percent, followed by Florida (18), Atlanta (12) and Tampa Bay (11). The computer says Toronto has only a three percent chance of making the playoffs, so it does make some sense. If you like the BCS computers determining who plays for the national championship, then you should like this. Here are the numbers. Let the crunching begin!
EASTERN CONFERENCE
OTT (100 percent chance of making playoffs); PHL (98); NJ (95); MON (93); PIT (92); BOS (79); NYI (55); NYR (45); WSH (44); CAR (43); FLA (18); BUF (16); ATL (12); TBAY (11); TOR (3).
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Det (100 percent chance of making playoffs); SJ (98); MIN (90); CAL (75); DAL (70); VAN (66); COL (62); PHX (56); ANA (55); NSH (46); CBUS (43); STL (33); CHI (11); EDM (1); LA (ZERO).
CHARLOTTE -- Good morning from my favorite airport located in Charlotte, NC, where I await my connecting flight to Atlanta for the Alyssa Milano All-Star festivities.
Sure some are wondering why I didn't just take a direct flight from Lauderdale, but where's the sense of adventure in that?
Going to be strange being away from the Panthers all this time, and I'm sure they'll miss me.
One would like to see a strong push by this team once they return, would like to see them really take on this challenge of winning the SE and moving into the playoffs.
JM said the Panthers focus has to be on the division. That's why I don't think there was that much consternation in the room after last night's loss. Why would there be? They let a team from the west steal two points, and picked up one themselves. At the end of the day, that'll work.
This team's focus is beating Carolina, Atlanta, Washington. Those are the playoff games for the Panthers.
-- Word is, anger over Olli and Nate skipping out of the team's golf tournament has waned. But, I've been told this won't be forgotten. Both players know better, but the blame is being laid solely on Olli. If he stays at the tournament , the thought is, so does Nathan.
Maybe it's as simple as Olli just doesn't like golf. Or maybe he was sending a message that he's tired of the way things are going these days.
Or maybe he and Nate just wanted to go to Sawgrass Mills, get a smoothie and hit American Eagle. It could be as simple as that.
But I still contend the Panthers aren't trading a 40 goal scorer in his prime who a) happens to be the team captain and b) has two years left on his contract after this season at a pretty decent rate.
Not over a golf tournament, that is.
Filed this late Thursday night from my Treo, so it wasn't very long, wasn't very well written. So here's Part II: After the loss to Edmonton, the Panthers sent Tanner Glass back to AHL Rochester, and also sent Shawn Matthias back to his junior team in Belleville, Ontario.
The original post read as if Matthias was going back to Rochester, too, but that was obviously not the case.
Carry on. Eh.
Greetings from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, home of your Florida Panthers brought to you by the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek.
Why am I dropping the names of so many sponsors? Because I'm working on a laptop that's property of the Florida Panthers (special thanks to Sziro Jewlery, University Drive - Coral Springs) after my laptop fell victim to a crappy charger that fried the motherboard.
So don't expect me to write anything bad about the Panthers tonight -- unless they really deserve it.
-- As expected, Jozef Stumpel out of the lineup again tonight. We'll see you after the break Stumpy...
-- You too Branislav Mezei...
-- Can I get an Italian Combo? Thanks Panera Bread!
-- Weiss, Booth, Mr. Assist your starters tonight...
-- A special thanks to Justin Copertino and Brian Goldman of the Panthers' PR team for hooking me up with a nice computer to work on tonight. Like driving a new car, this laptop. Maybe they'll take my old one in trade...
-- Did I mention the Panthers are on the Termidor Penalty Kill?
-- And it's Gregory Campbell with his second shorthanded goal of the season. FLA's last three shorthanded goals have come off Soup's stick.
-- Did you know Barry Manilow's coming to town? One of the greatest entertainers around...
Anthony Stewart has been sent back to Rochester, the Panthers obviously deciding to give 19-year-old rookie Shawn Matthias at least another day with the big boys.
It's apparent Matthias is headed back to juniors, but who knows? If he has a big game tonight, maybe he gets a reprieve. Don't bet on that. Jozef Stumpel looks ready to go and could play tonight although it might be wise to give him the full All-Star break off. Problem then is he might be rusty when he returns.
In the words of JM: "We'll wait and see as the game comes, wait until after the skate.'' Translation: Gamtime decision. Although as is usually the case, the decision has been made.
Stewart's return comes at a good time for the struggling Rochester Americans. The once-proud Amerks are now a shell of their former selves, playing in an empty arena as they've dropped a shocking 22 of 24 games. Stewart needs to go to Rochester and start dominating at that level. He hasn't shown that yet, and the Panthers are concerned. Some told me this last stint with the Panthers was his big chance to show he belongs at this level, and while he played much better, he didn't overwhelm anyone.
-- Just got an email from old pal Eklund. He says Olli ticked someone off in the Panthers front office lately and basically demanded a trade. Says Ek: "I would be shocked if he were still a Panther come Feburary 27. And another big name as well.''
I guess I need to start saying my goodbyes to Olli while he's still here.
Obviously, I'm being sarcastic here.
And I don't know what Olli could have done to anger anyone in this organization. He does everything for the Panthers. They ask, Olli does. On ice, off ice. It doesn't matter. I mean this guy goes to dinners with sponsors. You think he likes that? Think he needs the free meal? No, he's trying to help out this franchise in any way he can. And he is appreciated for his efforts.
Although word that he and Nate Horton left the team's golf tournament very early has ruffled some feathers. I don't think the Panthers are going to deal him away for something like this, although if true, and by all accounts it is, Olli and Nate should apologize. A team function is a team function.
Again, if he does indeed go to ownership and ask for a trade, then that's one thing. And that's the only way I see him being dealt. It has to come from Olli. And I don't think he's reached that point.
And who is the other big name? The Panthers don't have any other big names, unless the thought is if Olli goes, Horton goes to. Don't see that happening. I could see the Panthers making some minor deals near the deadline, which is a month away.
JM is known as being very, very patient and not being too quick to act. If this team is in contention come the trade deadline -- and thanks to being in the weakest division in the league they'd better be -- I think the Panthers make some moves. Very minor ones.
Not a whole lot going on around the Panthers today, spoke to some players about their All-Star weekend plans, doing something on Bo for tomorrow, yada yada.
No news on the injured front. Jozef Stumpel looked good in practice, but he won't be back until next week. Ville Peltonen didn't practice today, so he won't be back until next week either.
Branislav Mezei looks ready to go, but we'll see.
-- FSNF doing a special 'Inside the Panthers' on Denis Potvin. Talks a lot about his days with the Islanders. I didn't even know he played! I just thought he was a TV guy. Huh. You learn something every day. Anywho, Denis' episode premiers tomorrow at 6:30 just before the pregame show for the Panthers/Houston Oilers game.
If you miss the first showing, it'll be on throughout the month.
-- The Panthers raised $50,000 for charity in their golf tournament on Monday. Pretty good work...
Kicking off Canada Week here at the Big Bank in north Weston.
Would like to welcome back the vast sections of empty seats to the old arena, they've been missed of late. OK, not really.
Cory Murphy is back in the game, playing for the first time since Nov. 13. That's a 30-game span. Florida's games missed to injury number now up to 214.
-- Anthony Stewart the healthy scratch tonight.
-- Panthers giving away 20 big-screen TVs during the megatilt between the Panthers and the Vancouver Fighting Luongos. Billing it as a matchup between All-Star goalies, the one the franchise traded away versus his replacement.
Of course, Luongo may not play on Feb. 1, not after playing the night before in Tampa.
I know. He's going to play.
-- Speaking of bad trades, you have to say the Luongo deal from 2006 looks a bit better considering the Panthers were able to turn Todd Bertuzzi into a draft pick (that helped get Vokoun) and Shawn Matthias. Not saying it was a good deal, but it sure doesn't look as lopsided as it did this time last year.
Thoughts?
-- Didn't know if you heard, but Alyssa Milano is going to be in Atlanta for the All-Star Game. Still working the story for you, the loyal reader.
-- Some numbers for you. Panthers up 1-0 after one against the Senators. By my math, this is only the third time this month Florida has taken the initative and led 1-0. Also, FLA is 10-3-1 this season when leading after the first period, and 14-5-2 when scoring first.
And, according to Matt Sacco, Panthers haven't led going into the second since Dec. 27 at Atlanta.
So there you go.
-- Did you hear about Alyssa Milano?
-- Word is Sid the Kid could be out eight weeks with his busted up ankle. Bad news for the Panthers (the beancounters, not the players). If he's out the full eight, he'll miss Pitt's final game of the season in west Plantation on March 6 (I bet he's back by then).
It does look like Sidney will miss the next meeting with the FlaCats, Feb. 19 in Pittsnogle.
-- Love that banner ad for Barry Manilow down in the corners. Nothing says hockey more than Barry Manilow's surgically-altered smiling face. They need to lose that pretty quickly.
-- Save that Puck! Tanner Glass with his first NHL goal, set up beautifully by Nate Horton. I'm betting the Manilow image down behind Ray Emery was an inspiration.
I know it is for me.
-- Tanner Glass throws with Chris Neil after the former Motley Crue singer scores to tie the score. Neil wins the fight too, but good for Glass for getting something going.
-- Panthers on power play, QB Murph the Surf throwing some tight spirals...
-- Here are some numbers to crunch: Games lost due to injury -- Ottawa 77, Panthers 214. Dany Heatley the only active player on the IR for the Sens. He missed his sixth straight game Tuesday.
-- HERO OF THE NIGHT AS HANDED OUT BY PREVIOUS HERO OF THE NIGHT CRAIG ANDERSON: Tanner Glass.
There's a lot going on the world of hockey this Tuesday, from John Ferguson Jr. ousted in Toronto to Ottawa's Daniel Alfredsson coming back to the play the Panthers tonight.
Yet all of this pales in comparison to the news that Alyssa Milano is coming out with a new NHL-inspired clothing line for ladies.
Now, I know some may be skeptical about this being considered news. I know I was at first. But, word is Ms. Milano is going to be in Atlanta this weekend for the All-Star Game. I think it's my duty as a true sports journalist to track down this story and, at the same time, Ms. Milano.
Will keep you updated as the story unfolds.
-- On the ice, some decent sized news out of Sunrise today. Looks like Cory Murphy returns tonight to run the power play, the first of a handful of Florida's walking wounded to return. Branislav Mezei could play tonight as well. Obviously, though, the return of Murph the Surf is pretty big. He was having a great season before getting hurt. Saw Jozef Stumpel today as well, he looks good. He'll be back soon as well.
-- Daniel Alfredsson returns for the Senators tonight, his hip flexor injury apparently all healed up.The Sens have been struggling with both Dany Heatley and Alfredsson out of the lineup. So here comes a little help.
-- Ray Emery back in net for the Sens tonight. He's 2-0 against the Panthers this season and 6-1 against the Cats lifetime with one shutout.
Spent most of Monday at an auto repair shop, dropping a small fortune on new brakes for the Pontiac.
And how was your holiday?
Pete Pelegrin, he of the FIU beat, graciously filled in for me today and grabbed Olli after practice. JM says he wouldn't talk about rumors, and that's fine. There is so much stuff floating around, if he commented on them all, that's really all we'd talk about. Anyway, Pete transcribed the conversation for me and sent the email my way.
Want to read what Olli had to say? No? OK, see you tomorrow.
Just kidding. Not about the 'see you tomorrow' thing. I will blog tomorrow from the Big Bank. There's some interesting stuff below. Olli seems to be pretty forthcoming, and adds if this team doesn't make the playoffs again this year, he won't have to ask for a trade. It'll come on its own...
RUMORS SWIRL
The team hasn't been playing well. Who
else are you going to bring up on our team? Vokoun has no trade clause; most of
the guys have no trade clause. I don't have a no trade clause.
If you’re not wanted in one place, a no
trade clause won't save you.
What are you going to say? The team
hasn't been playing well. My name is popping up again. I don't think if we were
in first place, my name would be out there in trade rumors. I'm pretty much
used to it. It doesn't really bother me. My agent called me and asked if I had heard
it.
I haven't been traded in 7 years. I
never will be OK with it. I like this place. This is home. It’s not one of
those things where you want to move. I don't believe the grass is any greener
on the other side. as a player you are always going to win. To me it's the easy
way out looking elsewhere for other teams or going somewhere and trying to win happiness
or win championships. I want to win here and hopefully we make some moves here.
It’s the bottom line. We haven't been
playing well. Hopefully our injured guys are coming
EVER ASK FOR A TRADE?
I asked a couple of times [for trades] and my wish came true. Just once actually from the Islanders to Panthers in 2000. I think its something positive out there too. I think it shows there is some interest around the league. It shows you have been doing something right.
WHEN WOULD YOU CONSIDER A TRADE?
You guys probably think I’m out of my
mind I’ve been so positive all the time. I believe we've been going in the
right direction the last couple of years. It’s been really a hard year this
year, especially seeing other teams struggle, not playing the level they're
capable of playing, as well as in our division.
CONFIDENT TEAM CAN STILL MAKE PLAYOFFS?
It’s pretty amazing we're still right
there at four points behind [Carolina], being three games below .500. We had a
really good stretch there is December, but like I said, it’s been a roller
coaster all year.
THE PROBLEM?
I don't think it’s coaching or anything
like that. It’s more of the guys playing consistently. We’re doing pretty good
when we're doing that, 20 guys on the same page. We win most of the nights when
we do that.
I don't how long we are going to wait and see what is going to happen as a team. I think fans have been patient. I think owners have been patient. if things do not go well we're probably not going to be in the playoffs then there are probably going to be some moves like you guys have been hearing.
If we don't make it this year, I probably don't have
to go and say I want to get traded there's probably going to be moves no matter
what.
And usually you go out there and change your top players. That’s how its always been done in the business and that's how it's always going to be.
The best thing for us is winning hockey games and
be in the playoffs at the end of the year. I think that's what this franchise needs.
OK PLAYING WING WITH SHAWN MATTHIAS AT CENTER?
If I got a center like Matthias I don't have a problem to play wing.
He’s a good player who gets you the puck. He plays
the same type of hockey that I do. We match up good. He’s not like a typical
center, not like a playmaker center. He’s more of a goal scorer, a guy who
crashes the net and takes the puck well. I never really have had a chance to
play with a guy like him.
Well we must be getting close to the trading deadline because more rumors about Olli Jokinen's unrest in South Florida have surfaced.
The most recent report comes from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. According to reports given to me (I didn't watch HNIC because I was covering the Panthers in Washington), it was dropped that Olli and JM don't get along -- Olli apparently hates Jacques -- and a trade is coming.
Surprisingly, the main teams who would be interested in Olli, the report states, are Canadian teams.
Now, I'm not saying Olli isn't unhappy with the current state of the Panthers right now. In fact, I'd be disappointed in him if he wasn't. But I don't think Olli and the Panthers are ready to part ways just yet. I think Olli has too much invested in this franchise and market -- and the team is too close to first place in a sorry division -- for him to bail now.
That said, if Olli goes to JM and asks to be traded, I think JM should and will grant the request. The Panthers could get a lot for their captain on a fairly open market, and I say open because Olli comes with a contract. He's not a rental for some team so Florida theoretically would get more.
I don't think Olli and JM are best of friends, but then, I don't think JM has many 'best' friends inside this business. He has pals, buddies, but nothing serious. JM is a very close-guarded guy, very private. So too, in a way, is Olli. The only guys I know he's really friendly with over the years are Nate Horton and Roberto Luongo -- and I think his friendship with Louie really got going after he was traded away.
Olli is always reportedly going somewhere, yet he never does.
No sport loves its rumors more than hockey, no sport treats pure speculation as gospel more.
Everyone just needs to relax. Olli isn't going anywhere, at least not in the near future. Not unless JM was offered the sun and the moon, and Olli really wants to leave. I just don't think either side is all that desperate to make a move like this.
NEWARK -- Making my way back to you babe, and by 'you,' I mean Washington D.C.
And I'm doing so in old-school fashion. I'm taking the choo-choo, the chugga-chug.
Yep, Newark to Washington D.C. by train on a lazy Saturday afternoon. Nothing could be finer. Except being home. But whatever.
Looking for some ideas on things to kill the time. It's like a three hour ride to Capital City, and I'm riding with Brian X so I think the Ipod is out. That would be rude. But, after a while, it could be an option.
As always, feel free to leave your comments below. The obvious idea is to offer a special Amtrak edition of the LIVE BLOG. I could look out the window and commentate on the things I see. If the wireless internet is working, that might just be the ticket.
-- And remember, you can't catch the train out of Wichita. Not unless you a hog, or cattle. No, the people train runs out of Stubbville...
-- FYI: Panthers have scored two straight goals here in Copland, lead the Devils by a 2-1 score.
-- The 'In the Air Tonight' remake by Nonpoint is being played over the PA system. Only places I've heard that song: The end of the Miami Vice movie and at Panthers games. Nowhere else. It's a decent version I guess, but why mess with a good thing?
NEWARK - It appears the future is here.
Shawn Matthias, perhaps Florida's most talented youngster, makes his NHL debut tonight in the shadow of New York City. Sure, we're in Jersey, but you can see the big city from here.
Matthias seems pretty jacked about being called up, and why shouldn't he? He's been playing great lately, from his junior games in Belleville to Team Canada's Gold Medal performance in World Juniors.
Quite a whirlwind for him.
JM says he brought Matthias up mainly to see what he can do under the bright lights. That, and the Panthers really have no one else. The team is so banged up it has to recall a 19-year-old from juniors. But hey, good for the kid.
Here's the deal: Matthias can play 10 games at the NHL level before his NHL contract kicks in. The Panthers can send him back after 10-plus games, but he would burn a full year of his Panthers' contract which means they'd have to sign him again one year sooner.
Anyway, we'll worry about that one when the time comes.
JM says he is looking short term with Matthias right now, so don't expect him to be around long. Unless he plays his way onto the roster. The Panthers have high hopes for him, and are very excited about his future.
"I flew in the morning and I'm pretty excited,'' Mathias said. "It came out of nowhere. I'm looking forward to tonight, getting that first game out of the way.''
Said JM: "He had a real good world junior tournament, was playing well in junior. As you know, we already have quite a few of our players up from Rochester. This is a new face, a kid with some talent. We'll see if he can come in and help us. We'll see how he does this weekend then re-evaluate.''
PHILADELPHIA -- Those who say you can't go back in time have never been to Philadelphia.
Lot of history here, obviously, and in the short time I've been here, I've tried to take a bunch of it in. From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to the Mitchell & Ness shop on Chestnut Street, it's been one big 'ol fashioned history lesson for me.
And it gets even better tomorrow: The Panthers are staying in the City of Brotherly Shove tonight after the game so they can practice here.
At the Spectrum.
Yep, one of the last bastions of Philadelphia's sporting past will be the site of a meaningless practice by the Florida Panthers. But I've never been in the Spectrum, so I'm looking forward to it. Expect some photos on tomorrow's editions of On Frozen Pond.
What is the Spectrum known for, you ask? Well, it was home to the Broad Street Bullies, Dr. J and, of course, Rocky Balboa's classic battle with Apollo Creed.
-- For those interested, today's Philly Cheesesteak came compliments (well, Steve Y paid) of Jim's on South Street. Delicious. Best we've had so far. I think the days of us heading to Pats or Genos are over.
-- In hockey news, Cory Murphy and Branislav Mezei both wore yellow (that means they captured the previous day's time trial) and did a lot of post-practice work. No time table for their return.
-- JM says Jozef Stumpel still hasn't started skating, and slipped a post All-Star Game return date at us.
-- Happy Birthday shout-out to Justin, the Panthers' favorite birthday boy of the day. Actually, he's the only one, so he wins this contest by default.
UPDATE -- UPDATE -- UPDATE -- UPDATE
-- OK, so Rostislav Olesz takes a late hit from Steve Downie, but since the Panthers didn't do much complaining about it -- and didn't do anything about it -- I won't pile on. But, this could be bad. Olesz bounced up off the ice in a lot of pain.
JM says he re-injured his surgically repaired wrist/hand area, although I'm not so sure. That was Rusty's right hand and it looked to me like he came up favoring his left. But we'll see. Either way, doesn't look good.
-- Also found out a little more about the tussle between Horton and Montador on Monday. Word is they jostled a little bit at the end of practice after coaches demanded to see more during a defensive drill in the corners. Tempers flared, and that isn't a bad thing. So they threw a couple punches. Big deal.
-- And JM tossed a wet blanket on our visit to the Spectrum. It's off. Team is going to practice here at the Watchoveryourmoney Center instead. Sucks. I'm thinking of going over there anyway. Will post photos if I do.
Back at the arena, home sweet home for me. Thanks for all the cards and letters (OK, the emails) wishing me a quick recovery from my flu. Knock on wood, but I think I've kicked it.
And now I'm ready for some hockey.
Panthers have had no luck whatsoever against these Colorado Avalanche, and have never beaten the Avs on home ice. Think about that for a minute. Of course, they have beaten this particular organization at home, beating the Quebec Nordiques in 1995. Months later, the team moved to Denver.
Jacques Martin goes for win No. 500 today, and funny thing is, he may remember that Panthers win in 1995. Remember, Martin was an assistant for the Nordiques back then. He even made the move to Colorado only to leave them midway through the 1995-96 season -- what would be a Stanley Cup championship season -- to take over the Senators.
Who did the Avs beat to win the Cup back in '96? Heck, my memory ain't that good. How am I supposed to remember who their opponent was. Get real. Like who Colorado plays in the Stanley Cup Finals has any relevance to a hockey writer in Florida. Who covers the Panthers. And likes Rats.
-- Oh yeah. Right.
-- Giants up 7-0 on the Cowpokes. Not the Cooper City ones.
-- Thanks to all those who commented on the previous blog post from this morning. Hope to see a more concerted effort out of these guys today, but not holding my breath. Too stuffed up to do something that dangerous.
-- Must be a big sale at Ikea today. Overflow parking lot at some arena-looking place in Sunrise was really full this afternoon.
-- Then there's Nate, fighting less than a minute into the game. That looks promising...
-- And then the Rockies score...so there goes that...
-- OK, Panthers showing much spirit here in the first period. This is what we've been lacking no? Three fights in the first period, lot of energy. Good for them, and good for the fans who are here and seem to be having a blast.
-- Speaking of having a blast, I'll be joining Craigervini at the second intermission on Fox Sports Net. Don't adjust your sets, it's just G....
-- Sorry about messing up your TVs...
I've been known to watch movies I really enjoy -- you know, classics like Animal House, Caddyshack, Fletch, and my new fave, Superbad -- over and over. I'm even guilty of giving movies I don't like a second or third chance once they come on HBO.
That said, it isn't much fun to watch the same nonsense with a certain hockey team night after night. If not for the writer's strike, this Florida Panthers show would have been canceled weeks ago.
Seriously, how can this team pull the same stunts night after night? Are they this bad? These are the same questions that have been asked the past three years. No answers come to mind.
This is by no means a Stanley Cup contender, the Panthers not a team of All-Stars.
It is a group with some talent, only little drive. They have a problem with their collective heart. How else does one describe how they come out and give the effort they do night after night. If they only came out flat every once in a while, that would be forgivable. This team just doesn't seem to care. About anything.
The truth is, if this continues, this group is probably going to cost their coach -- and perhaps some of the assistants -- their jobs.
For a good many of them, that doesn't bother them either.
Knowing your lack of heart, lack of effort, lack of professionalism cost hard-working guys their job should hurt a little bit. Should be a just a bit embarrassing. But nothing seems to sting this collective bunch.
And that's why it's time for some changes.
Jacques Martin needs to go on the offensive. Now. It's obvious there are guys on this team that don't care. Two of the perceived problems missed Saturday's game with injuries, so they can't shoulder that much blame.
The Panthers should be embarrassed about Saturday's performance, as they should their five game losing streak at home, their nine losses in 11 games at home. How do you lose nine of 11 at home? We're talking losses to average Boston, Toronto, Washington, Montreal teams, not to mention road dogs like the Lightning.
But are they embarrassed? Some, yes. Most, no.
Olli Jokinen talked this summer about players having to be accountable, but that has not been the case this year. No one on this team seems to take accountability for anything, although Bryan Allen and Stephen Weiss come close, those two being very critical of themselves, sometimes too much so. Tomas Vokoun, too.
Yet nothing ever changes. They win a game, they move on. They lose, they workout, show up the next day and move on.
From what I've surmised, Martin is not on the hot seat just yet, although there is a thought he may be asked to give up one of his two jobs. He shouldn't be surprised. This is a result-based business, and the Panthers have not delivered the goods.
Martin cannot wash his hands and say this is a mess not of his doing, either. The players he didn't like from the Keenan era are gone. This is his team. And it's not one to be proud of right now.
Injuries, obviously, have robbed the Panthers of some offensive play and a little grit. Ville Peltonen should be back soon, and that'll help but his absence is not why Florida's offensive numbers sit lower than a chopped 1976 El Camino. Cory Murphy could be back, but who knows what's up with that.
I've never been one to advocate panic, but a good little shake up can't be all bad.
Does anyone disagree that something needs to be done? If so, it needs to be done now.
The only thing keeping the Panthers afloat right now is their crummy division, one the Panthers realistically should be not only leading, but running away with. Yes, I said it. The Panthers should have overtaken the very-average Hurricanes weeks ago and begun distancing themselves.
But they didn't. Instead, you see more of the same. Win two, lose four. Win three, lose two. It's a maddening cycle that has to be driving the few people who care mad. This team seems afraid to be successful. They were a lousy two points out of first place not long ago, then deflated like an old Mylar balloon trapped in the rafters of a Wal-Mart Supercenter.
I think Martin can afford to gamble and make a few moves to shake things up right now if only because the Southeast Division isn't getting any better.
The five teams within the division stink. The winner gets the third seed in the playoffs, and a fate very much like the Thrashers last year. Only the Panthers need the playoff money, so two home losses -- and the gates they'll bring -- is better than none.
Martin shouldn't mortgage the future of the franchise by making crazy deals a la Atlanta last season. The Thrashers gave up way too much for too little of a return. Shawn Matthias, Michael Frolik, Michal Repik, etc., are off limits. Ownership should make sure Martin knows this. Even if the Panthers make a run and make the playoffs, does anyone think they're going to do anything in them? Don't give away future stars for a few playoff dates.
No, I just think Martin needs to make a few deals to turn things around. Wake this bunch up. You like playing in Florida, wearing shorts and sandals to practice every day? Your wife enjoys the South Florida lifestyle? Oh, I'm sorry. You've just been traded to Edmonton. Bundle up, Chico.
Martin also needs to make nice with old friend Mike Keenan. See what players -- aside from Jokinen -- the Flames want. See if a deal could be made. Heck, put a player or two on waivers. See what happens. What's the worst thing that can happen? Someone actually pick the player up? That might be a good thing.
This ship is sinking and there aren't enough guys bailing water. The ones that are doing the heavy lifting are getting ticked watching others not do anything. It's time to make some changes before Washington and Tampa overtakes this bunch. I know the fans understand, but do the players here understand the opportunity these Panthers are squandering?
They are the only game in town right now, the only pro team worth watching.
Yet last night, if given the choice, I would have watched the Miami Heat.
It's one thing to lose. It's another to be so nonchalant about it.
Well, I'm back off of my deathbed and feel much better than I did yesterday, but that ain't saying much. I could barely function yesterday, although today seems much, much brighter.
Have Sarah filling in for me today in Pantherland, and I am very appreciative.
It's nice to just be able to chill, veg, chillax, whatever. A nice, lazy Saturday for me here in Sunrise.
Am currently watching UM hoops, football next, then onto hockey. May come back here for a blog during the game, although I'm contemplating shutting 'er down for the night. We'll see.
-- Seriously though: How good is chicken noodle soup?
-- Also, shameless plug for the new diet Gatorade. Called G2. It's really good, at least the orange flavor is. Bought an assortment at Publix today. They were like 50 cents a bottle with the coupon. Couldn't pass up that dealeo.
-- Some hockey news for you thanks to Sarah: Jozef Stumpel out the next seven to 10 days with the injured shoulder suffered Thursday night in Atlanta. Tanner Glass gets the callup.
-- It may be great to be able to sit here and watch the Canes basketball game, it sure is hard listening to these guys on the call. Have no idea who these commentators are, but they aren't good. Seem to be mailing it in. Every time someone hits a 3-pointer, the PxP guy shouts: BANG! The commentator then follows with "watch out!" Every single time.
Annoying and funny at the same time. Like counting the times Brent Mushberger says "folks" during a broadcast, or how Sunday guy on ESPN Radio (I think it's Freddie Coleman but not sure) has to say "football" four, five times a sentence.
Example: "That was a really good football game, mainly because those football players know how to play the game of football. They came to play the football game. And that's how you win football games in the National Football League. If I'm their football coach, I congratulate them on playing such a great football game. But then you move on. You have to. You can't sit back and reflect on past football games if you want to win football games in the National Football League.''
Of course, I'm exaggerating. But really, I'm not.
ATLANTA -- Still in Georgia, trying to fight off the worst cold I think I've ever had while also trying to get home.
Oh Fort Lauderdale, how I miss thee!
Anyway, just got word that Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun was named a reserve for the upcoming All-Star Game here in the 'ATL.' This is the second time Vokoun has been named to an All-Star team. Will update when I talk to him about it.
-- The Panthers don't want their fans to miss any of the football games this weekend, so they're saying the TVs around the arena -- and at times the scoreboard -- will be tuned to NFL playoffs. Sounds good to me.
-- Achoo! Bless you. Thanks. Honnnnnk...
ATLANTA -- Greetings from one of many Peachtree Streets here in the heart of Dixie (I had sweet tea with my lunch today. Mmmm, tasty!)
Folks around here are getting geared up for the NHL All-Star Game here at the end of the month. The Westin has already begun putting up its large ASG mural, and the local t-shirt shoppes are stuffed with cool ASG gear for kids of all ages.
While I'll be here with the other members of the South Florida 3, one of our old buddies will not be joining us. No, Roberto Luongo is going to skip the ASG, but he's got a good reason. Wife Gina is pregnant, and has been back in Broward County most of this season.
So, Louie is going to spend a week at home with Gina. The team is letting him miss the game back (Jan. 29) against Dallas because it doesn't make sense for Louie to fly back to Vancouver only to come back to Florida. He'll join his teammates in Tampa for their game against the Bolts on Jan. 31. Then, back to Broward for the game against the Panthers on Feb. 1.
So, best of wishes to Gina and the rest of the family and I'm sure we'll be seeing Louie at Incredible Ice during his stay.
-- One guy racing to the 'ATL' today is newest Panther Magnus Johansson. If you just said "Magnus Joh-Who-sson?" you ain't alone. Magnus 'P.I.' Johansson has played in 18 games this season for the Chicago Blackhawks, also a team in the NHL.
Johansson is a 34-year-old rookie, spending his entire career in Europe. Johansson looks to be the team's new power play quarterback, and may play tonight against the Falcons. He's expected to touch down at Atlanta's Jackson Hartfield Herschel Walker Ted Turner Scarlett O'Hare Jimmy Carter Sonny Purdue Chicken Man International Airport sometime soon.
If Magnum's story sounds familiar, it should. The Panthers signed Cory Murphy to be their power play quarterback late last season. Murph 'The Surf,' made his NHL debut this season as well, only he's 29. He had been playing in Europe his whole career, too. And Murph has been out with a shoulder injury for quite some time now.
And no, I don't know what's going on with that.
The Panthers gave up a seventh round pick in 2009 to get Magnum. So the price was right. Come on down!
-- Nothing else going on around the Panthers. Today was an optional skate and a number of the veterans did other things -- like talk to us. It was pretty light, pretty relaxed. We'll see if that translates into a good start and perhaps an effort worthy of putting this losing stretch to bed.
-- Also, reserves for the Eastern Conference for the ASG will be announced tomorrow. Olli says he might skip if picked, but I don't believe that. If he's picked, I think he goes. Olli doesn't get a lot of recognition nationally, and I think this would be a real honor for him. Tomas Vokoun and Jay Bouwmeester will also get a look for the team. I would be a little surprised if no Florida player was selected, but it would not shock me by any stretch of the imagination.
And for those emailing me wondering why the Panthers didn't have ballot boxes set up, the ASG voting was done completely electronically this year. But the organization did a terrible job selling their players for the ASG. Just terrible. I remember when the ballot first came out, a team employee was asking me for ideas on how to sell the vote. I don't recall seeing anything come of that. You can't blame your fans for a lack of voting when you don't really tell them about it.
Saw the Penguins today in Sunrise, waddling like they do out there on the ice.
Like the way Pittsburgh attacks its practice; not a lot of fooling around, almost no noise. Very businesslike.
And Sidney Crosby looked downright human out there when it don't count. Sid the Kid was throwing pucks everywhere but in the net. Sure he's saving the good stuff for when it counts.
Unlike me. I love hitting the cover off the ball on the range, then shanking everything from my driver to my 9 iron once I tee it up for real.
Going to be interesting if Ty "Bet you have a lot of nice ties, Ty" Conklin comes back to earth or continues his impersonation of an All-Star caliber goalie. Seriously, Ty is 7-0 since coming back from the minors and has led the Penguins to six straight wins.
And how does Ty Conklin measure himself to other goalies? By height.
-- Speaking of caddies, the Carolina 49ers grabbed Sergei Samsonov off waivers from Chicago. The Caroliners have to be hoping the Samsonov deal works out as well as Atlanta snaring Mark Recchi off the wire just a few weeks ago. Unwanted by these Penguins, Recchi has been tearing it up for the Thrash.
Samsonov was similarly unwanted by the Blackhawks, or anyone else until the FakeCanes picked him up today. Sammy had four assists in 23 games with the Hawks, then went through waivers and ended up playing for the Rockford Peaches of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
OK, that last Rockford mention is obviously a goof. Samsonov isn't playing for the team from A League of Their Own.
No, Samsonov, upon clearing waivers, was sent to the Rockford Files of the American Hockey League.
Here's more on Sammy from our friends in Raleigh, N.C., at the News and Observer. I wonder if they have Cheerwine vending machines at the N&O. If they don't, they should. G Loves Cheerwine...
-- Some Panthers news out of practice today. D Branislav Mezei didn't practice and will be replaced by Jim Rockford and his gold Firebird. Or Martin Lojek. Figure out which one yourself.
-- New lines for tonight! Yep, JM switching things around. You can read about it in my daily Panther report brought to you by the Letter D and The Miami Herald right here reading is good for you
-- A pretty large media contingent met the Panthers today, which means the South Florida public is really hungry for hockey news, or the Dolphins season has come to a close. Thinking it's a little of both, but a lot of the latter.
Anyway, we got Tomas Vokoun going and he gave us some more gold. While he didn't back off his statement that players need to be accountable, and if they aren't, the Panthers will find players who are. Vokoun added changes should be made to the attitudes of players here and not necessarily to the roster. Will have more once I go through the tape.
-- Also, don't know if you've heard, but the Penguins have a pretty good player in their stead. Youngster named Crosby. I know he hasn't done anything, but I think he's going to be a star in this league someday. Anywho, wrote about this unknown from Moosejaw, Nova Scotia today in your Miami Herald. If you'd like to peruse it, you can do so here Sid is still just a Kid. Who happens to be an OK hockey player
-- Speaking of youngsters, congrats to Detroit's Chris Chelios, who becomes the second oldest player in NHL hisory tonight. Cheli is 45 years old, but it's the 348 days that puts him past Moe Roberts. According to a press release the NHL sent me, Big Bad Moe was "a former NHL goaltender serving on the Chicago Blackhawks' training staff who came out of retirement to play one period in relief of Blackhawks starter Harry Lumley in a game against the Red Wings on Nov. 25, 1951.''
The NHL also tells us that Chelios is three years and four days older than the NHL's next-oldest player, teammate Dominik Hasek, who turns 43 on Jan. 29. AND, Cheli is one year and 94 days older than his 44-year-old coach, Mike Babcock.
Chelios has a ways to go to become the oldest player in NHL history. That honor goes to Mr. Hockey, Wayne Gretzky. Just kidding. Gordie Howe, the great Red Wing, was 52 when he last suited up for the Hartford Whalers back in 1980.
-- Speaking of the Wings, three Detroiters voted onto starting lineup for the upcoming All-Star Game. The trio: Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Also, congrats to old pal Roberto Luongo for also being voted onto that team.
Here are the starting All-Star lineups. See you in the 'ATL':
EAST: Martin Brodeur, New Jersey; Andrei Markov, Montreal; Zdeno Chara, Boston; Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh; Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay; Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa.
WEST: Roberto Luongo, Vancouver; Lidstrom, Detroit; Dion Phaneuf, Calgary; Zetterberg, Detroit; Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit; Jarome Iginla, Calgary.
-- The Panthers didn't fare very well in the voting, and that's not surprising. The Panthers didn't really push any of their three players on the ballots like other teams do, and it probably wouldn't have mattered anyway.
Vokoun finished dead last in goalie voting, getting 28,000 votes (4,000 less than Washington's Olaf Kolzig), with captain Olli Jokinen finishing fourth from last (under two write-in candidates) in forward voting with 26K votes. Jay Bouwmeester fared the best of the three, getting 140,058 votes to finish seventh among d-men.
Sorry folks, no recount needed.
-- And those emailing me telling me I screwed up (which I do a lot) regarding Sidney Crosby not winning the Calder Trophy as a rookie in 2005-06. It really did go to Alexander Ovechkin (who is pretty good too I must add).
PITTSBURGH -- Greetings from Heinz Field, where I just caused a scene by asking for Hunts ketchup for my hot dog.
Just kidding about that, since everyone knows you don't put ketchup on a hot dog. If you did here, though, you ain't using Hunts.
Was in the Panthers locker room about 90 minutes ago, and the attitude was like one might expect. Some players didn't say anything, with Jozef Stumpel and Richard Zednik noticeably silent as they stared into space. Just as well.
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