TORONTO -- Good afternoon from the Hockey Centre of the Universe, the place where a Panthers morning skate turns into a media scrum that would rival a Dolphins playoff game in Miami.
OK, that's not true. There were probably more media people here today than there were at Joe Robbie Stadium yesterday.
The big news up here is Team Canada going for a fifth straight World Junior championship tonight in Ottawa. Team Red is playing Sweden, backstopped by future Florida goalie Jacob Markstrom. Should be a good game, although I was interested in watching the Buckeyes-Longhorns in the Fiesta Bowl, but that probably ain't going to happen. Good luck getting someone to change one TV off the hockey game so Gringo G can watch a college football game from Glendale.
The other big news around town is that Bryan McCabe (AKA Enemy No. 1) is back in Toronto after seven seasons with the Leafs. McCabe isn't real popular around here, but the change of scenery has done him a world of good. He's having a great season in FLA, with Pete DeBoer saying ''I can't say enough about him.''
Pete followed the Leafs "from an arm's distance'' while coaching the nearby Kitchener Rangers, and knows what McCabe went through here. He's very happy McCabe landed in SoFla.
As for McCabe, tonight is going to be a night to visit with family and friends. It will also be a hockey night. He won't be watching the Fiesta, but will be watching Team Canada. Like just about everyone else in this hockey-mad part of the world.
-- Tomas Vokoun gets the start tomorrow night. The last time Vokoun played here he was the beneficiary of Florida's 8-0 romp.
-- Shawn Matthias has been sent back to Rochester. No reason given, mainly because I forgot to ask. Will do tomorrow.
-- Lines are the same as they were yesterday in Montreal.
-- Who knew you could find fresh mango and watermelon in Toronto at this time of the year? And priced fairly right. Good times!
George, any reason why Matthias was sent back to Rochester? He had some very strong games the past few days.
Posted by: panthersfan | January 05, 2009 at 04:33 PM
GEORGE!
COME PARTY AT RYERSON UNIVERSITY - SOME BLUE, SOME TEAM CANADA!! BRASS RAIL AFTER!!
Posted by: Ben!! | January 05, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Does anyone know a way to watch the game online?
Posted by: Stephen | January 05, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Why the heck is Matthias being sent down after 2 good games.Sounds like spiteful Martin is punishing him for his protests about being sentdown after training camp.Martin did the same with Stewart.
Posted by: vic b | January 05, 2009 at 06:43 PM
I don't know if any of the players read this column off a laptop or whatever. But I'll say this about Brian McCabe, thanks man! You've really done a good job here, we want you here, and it's Toronto's loss. See how much better they are on the "d" since he's gone?!
Posted by: Mr Obvious | January 05, 2009 at 08:22 PM
For those of you who didnt get to see it. Just an fyi Markstrom is gonna be a GREAT addition to us and will be our next big thing in 2 years he is a stud
Posted by: Stephen | January 05, 2009 at 10:03 PM
On Sunday afternoon, I was listening to the Panthers broadcast and heard the assistant GM talk about the Cats' future plans for Markstrom in 2 years. I think his comments make for interesting rumours with respect to Vokoun, who supposedly has a no-trade clause, and Craig Anderson, who is makeing $500k and playing really well, but becomes a UFA in July. Wait, did I spell rumour like a Canadian would? Yikes, forgive me!
We are very fortunate to have acquired McCabe. Any news on Bryan Allen?
Posted by: EJ | January 05, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Markstrom looked good in that game. NHL Network had the TSN broadcast.
Posted by: Bo | January 06, 2009 at 10:43 AM