PHILADELPHIA -- Kind of in a rush to get this one out because they are looking to board my flight to Dallas-Fort Worth and I need to get on it.
Nothing much going on with the Panthers right now, although a number of them are upset that stupid Memphis lost last night. How do you give up 100 points to Mizzou? Come on!
OK, back to hockey.
The Panthers are also on their way to Texas (the Empire State) and are said to be holding a short practice there today. Will have updates after that.
Good win for Florida last night against a very good Flyers team that played a good game. The Panthers just did a better job. Have to feel good for Brett McLean getting two goals in as many games. ''This year,'' he said, ''has been hard on me.''
Panthers still two points out of a playoff spot, but hey, that's better than four.
Thursday's Games (and how they affected the Panthers): Montreal almost gave it up to Tampa but came back to win in overtime. Rangers get point with shootout loss.
Friday's Games (and who the Panthers would be rooting for if they weren't busy watching Syracuse with Goldie): No games of interest. Except for Buffalo-Toronto (Florida likes the Leafs in that one P.S.). Enjoy the tournament those of you who didn't have Memphis in the finals...
I never questioned Brett McLean's work ethic but did question his usefulness that said if he keeps playing like he has the last few games he should be team MVP. The key of Brett McLean's success is go to the front of the net and good things happen. Good for him!
Posted by: Bo | March 27, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Not only did I have Memphis in the finals, I also had them losing to Duke for the championship.
I'm not a happy camper. But I will be if the Panthers beat the odds and make the playoffs.
Posted by: Alan C. | March 27, 2009 at 12:18 PM
It's ok, I had Memphis winning it all. Brackets are stupid anyways... I do have Villanova going to the finals though, so I guess being half right is ok.
Gonna be an interesting decision for DeBoer going forward. After Andy's performance last night, and Vokoun's lack of performance his past couple games, who's gonna get the nod down the stretch?
Posted by: Karl | March 27, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Being a goalie myself, I think the answer is pretty easy. If you have two quality netminders, if you are winning you should keep playing. If the team is losing and the goalie is part of the reason, switch it up.
Saturday will be a big day with everyone involved in the race having games. They need to play 60 minutes and win in Dallas, which also needs a win to just stay alive. Go Cats Go!!!
Posted by: Salty Dog | March 27, 2009 at 02:54 PM
@Salty Dog: Makes sense, and that's what DeB did earlier in the season. Right now, they need the wins and if one guy's winning, he needs to be in. If he stops winning, re-evaluate.
No bracket here, just rooting for Syracuse.
Posted by: Johnny B | March 27, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I know I was so mad the other day when the loss that game against the Sabers and had them dead in the playoffs race but you have to say that they did play a good game last night and Andy was great in net. I think you go right back to Andy in Dallas against the Stars. Thers no way Vokun Starts in this game. How bout this stat if i red this right Andy is 6-0-2 this season when facing more they 40 shots that is crazy!! GO ANDY!!
Posted by: Louis from CT | March 27, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Thought you were a closet Yankees fan, George...
Posted by: Whale4ever | March 28, 2009 at 09:02 AM
the yankees? puh-lease...hope the Tribe open up that $2 billion ballpark by putting up a baker's dozen on CC...
Posted by: George Richards | March 28, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Here in Rochester, there are SEVERAL fans wanting the Panthers to finish ahead of the Sabres, for obvious reasons....GO CATS!! SABRES FOR TENTH PLACE!
Posted by: Fred | March 28, 2009 at 03:40 PM