WELCOME BACK CROSBY?
The Panthers could be in the hockey spotlight on Saturday – and it's not necessarily because of their surprising start.
Penguins star Sidney Crosby has been out of action since suffering a pair of concussions last January.
Reports have indicated that Crosby's much-anticipated return could come Saturday against Florida at BankAtlantic Center.
Crosby traveled with the Penguins to Florida but will not play Thursday against the Lightning.
Let the speculation begin.
And the hoarding of tickets by scalpers.
-- After Tuesday's lopsided game in Dallas, coach Kevin Dineen gave the team a day off to explore St. Louis.
Or, being that Wednesday brought cloudy skies and a cold whipping wind, some chose to just hang out at the hotel and relax a bit.
“The score plays into it,'' Dineen said, “but guys are feeling it a little bit. The game seemingly went well, but we have some ice packs going around.''
-- Center Stephen Weiss was originally credited with a plus-6 rating on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the league reviewed the tape and determined Weiss wasn't on the ice for Evgeny Dadonov's goal – Florida's sixth of the night.
Weiss' rating went down a notch to a still very respectable plus-5.
“[A plus-5] doesn't get you into Sunday during the Masters,'' Dineen joked, “but it's still a pretty nice way to go. He had a super game. Four of those goals were directly related to him. That's a reflection of a real good game.''
-- Dineen said winger Matt Bradley would likely be out for a week with an undisclosed upper body injury.
The Panthers aren't expected to bring anyone up from AHL San Antonio as Jack Skille (groin) did skate on Wednesday and should play Thursday against the Blues.
Skille was hurt Sunday against the Flyers and missed Tuesday's game.
THURSDAY: PANTHERS AT BLUES
When, Where: 8 p.m.; Scottrade Center, St. Louis
TV/Radio: FSN; WQAM-560
The series: Blues lead 14-7-3
The game: The Blues are 3-0-1 since veteran coach Ken Hitchcock took over behind the bench – including a rousing 2-1 win over Detroit on Tuesday. .-.-. Florida has won two of its past three games in St. Louis. Scott Clemmensen could start for Florida after pitching a shutout Tuesday in Dallas. Clemmensen is 1-0 against the Blues, leading the Devils to a 4-3 win here on Dec. 30, 2008.
weiss is emerging as the face of this team, our true franchise player . . . and in my opinion, the only choice as captain. keeps things as they are for now, rolling four alternates seems to be working. but he's for sure the man we go to when the time comes, more than deserves/earns it. btw, his goal against dallas with the tic-tac-toe passing with linemates versteeg and flash was a thing of beauty! will be up there for panther goal of the season!!
Posted by: OnFrozenFlan | November 16, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Bielsma has stated that Crosby wont play this weekend. Say he does; knock his ass around! Not a fan of Cindy Crysby.
Posted by: DV | November 16, 2011 at 05:59 PM
DV whos Cindy Crosby your referring to
Posted by: matt | November 16, 2011 at 07:16 PM
#87 on his jersey. #1 on the list of top-whiners in league.
Posted by: DV | November 17, 2011 at 01:20 PM
hey george got a cool thought for you! you know how the panthers have the new heavy weight belt they toss around after a win to the best player that night! i saw it on the hbo series with wash and pitty! you should tell us beat followers at the end of each beat article who got it ! its kinda cool??
Posted by: panthers huge fan | November 17, 2011 at 02:27 PM
I agree with the comment on Weiss (and on Cindy for that matter). I never thought Weiss was very good...until he got some talent on his line this year. He was all over the ice vs the Stars, great to watch this team clicking!
Posted by: Tallon Rulz | November 17, 2011 at 03:24 PM