TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards
The Panthers face a Toronto team clearly in the throes of a rebuild Tuesday.
The Maple Leafs, who replaced coach Randy Carlyle with former Florida interim coach Peter Horachek last month, have lost 17 of 19 and came into Monday 12 points out of the final playoff spot in the East.
On Sunday, Toronto traded pending free agents Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson to Nashville. More trades are in the works.
"It has to be tough and I'm sure they're feeling it,'' said Dave Bolland, who played for the Leafs last season.
"When you're in the dumps, people get on you. You have to block it out to do what you need to do on the ice.''
Former Florida captain Olli Jokinen was acquired by the Leafs on Sunday and reported for duty on Monday despite his displeasure with the trade.
Jokinen cannot skate until Santorelli and Franson pass their physicals with Nashville. Word is, he will not face the Panthers for the third time this season.
"As a player, you got to a new team and you try and fit in,'' Jokinen said. "You have a job to do and have to respect the game, respect the players you play with. You have to enjoy playing this game. That's the bottom line. You do what they tell you.''
Jokinen isn't expected to be in Toronto long as general manager Dave Nonis has said he will try find the 15-year veteran a home on a playoff contender by the March 2 trade deadline.
Although he's played in 1217 NHL games (567 over seven seasons with the Panthers), Jokinen appeared in just six postseason games with Calgary in 2009.
Nashville is atop the Western Conference and considered a serious Stanley Cup contender.
"You want to see a guy like that succeed, go to the playoffs,'' said Florida goalie Al Montoya, who played with Jokinen in Winnipeg.
"He went from one of the best teams to a team thatt looks like it's rebuilding. He's a professional, has been his whole career. He knows this game is a business.''
Tuesday: Panthers at Maple Leafs
When, where: 7 p.m.; Air Canada Center, Toronto
TV/Radio: FSFL; WQAM 560
Series: Toronto leads 33-28-7
Noteworthy: Florida has won four of five against the Leafs including a 6-4 decision in Sunrise.
Comments