SB Nation - Dominic Moore

Panthers forwards: is this it?

Whale4ever — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:16:29 -0000

A quick peek at the NHL Stats Page is all a Cats fan requires to sink into a further funk, even on the heels of a well-executed game in Pittsburgh Saturday night. Of course, the result was all too familiar...

Individually, some Panthers are finally producing what's been expected of them for some time: as has been widely reported, forwards Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton - whipping boys of the highest order in Sunrise - have 20 and 19 points in the same number of games played, respectively. Who among the faithful are anything less than giddy over what these two have done to reverse their sagging fortunes? There are a lot of beaming Fantasy Hockey owners who gambled in their drafts...and won big.

Beyond those two, the year has been an offensive washout: Michael Frolik's two goals on Friday (his first since November 30th) give him nine on the season. Much-heralded "second-line center" (the organization's words) Steven Reinprecht has scored once in twelve games. Radek Dvorak (who has indeed wratcheted up the intensity this season) hasn't seen the back of a net in nine.

Who else among the forwards have any true offensive expectations on the shoulders? Rostislav Olesz and his 14 points? Teased year after year, we know better. Gregory Campbell or Kamil Kreps, who are a combined -13? "Suitcase" Shawn Matthias? Or perhaps faceoff whizz Dominic Moore, who - by no fault of his own - has an unfortunate habit of getting hurt. A lot.

"But Whale! But Whale! What of David Booth and Cory Stillman? Where would the Cats be with them in the lineup?"

Undoubtedly leading the Eastern Conference in every major category.

What's it matter? They're not here now and probably won't be for some time. Based upon the little we've heard through the Panthers grapevine, it's entirely conceivable Booth won't return at all this season. Concussions tend to be nasty and unpredictable, and this one - his first - is no different. At least we know whom to hate when the postseason fires up.

Stillman is shooting for a late-December rollout, but realistically let's guess mid-January. I love and miss Stiller's hustle, leadership, and contributions as much as the next fan, but if you're hanging Florida's playoff fortunes on the return of a winger who celebrates his 36th birthday in a week, I've got some ProSet hockey cards from 1992 up for sale that are due to explode in value soon. Soon.

What to do, what to do?

Panthers gain point in 3-2 SO loss to Oilers

Whale4ever — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:04:07 -0000

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

12 days ago: Edmonton Oilers' Shawn Horcoff (10) scores the game-winning goal against Florida Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun in a shootout in an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Monday, Dec. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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No one said it would be simple. Or non-repetitive.

The Panthers continued the puck-attacking, aggressive play which has been a staple of recent games, yet fell to a hot Edmonton club who's enjoyed the road of late. A 3-2 final goes out to the masses, but there was a lot to like about Florida's final appearance on home ice for a spell. And that's likely a positive.

Regardless of almost non-existent success at home (unless blown-lead, one-point gains are considered "successful"), the examples we've seen lately have been far more hopeful considering the future. And for the record, Tomas Vokoun looked good.

Stephen Weiss' goal streak was shut down and Nathan Horton garnered zippo on the scoresheet, but for the first time in a long while, secondary scoring ruled the day as Dominic Moore banged home two to keep the game within reach.

And from a Florida perspective, a 35 to 28 shot advantage is most definitely a plus.

Yep...it's still a loss - the seventh in their past eight games - but in that time the club has turned over a new attitude which was obvious from the start. They were physical and quick to defend their zone. It wasn't perfect, but far superior to what was witnessed even four weeks ago.

And how about this: Rostislav Olesz scored in the shootout. Don't know what type of compromising photos Rusty must be in possession of with regard to his coaching staff, but he came through when called upon...with the very same backhand-to-the-right play we've all grown so accustomed to.

Anyway, it was Moore for the Cats (with assists from Kulikov and 1,000 game-dude Dvorak), while Shawn Horcoff and Lubomir Visnovsky gained goals from Robert Nilsson and Ladislav Smid. Horcoff gained the game-winner in the shootout as well.

Not a terrible showing by any stretch for the home team, but a road trip is probably very welcome among the troops.

Notes: Michael Frolik (0 points) had nine SOG. Weiss and Bryan McCabe led all skaters with 24:39 TOI (see Weiss play. See Weiss grow). Edmonton's Visnovsky led the visitors with 2 points.

Next up: BJ action from Columbus on Wednesday.

My Heart is Crammed in My Cranium...

blurr1974 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:24 -0000

...and it still knows how to pound. It's the Monday after a long weekend and Frank Black is singing a song just for me.

Let's just get to the links.

Steve is wondering what kind of return Niklas Hagman and Ian White could net the Leafs.
On the flip side of that argument, the general takes a look at Garnet Exelby and Jeff Finger to determine who is the less useless.
Down Goes Brown reviews the year that was.
Sometimes I worry about LD...
Leafs Rumination went to a Marlies game. Then it goes downhill.
Toronto Sports Commentary likes the cut of the Leafs jib lately.
Kavel is throwing a party for himself like nobody's business.
MLHS talks about the heavyweight battle that never was.
The Blue and White Beat likes Colton Orr. A lot .
Would Jason Blake be an easier commodity to move had Burke hung on to Dominic Moore? Would the rumored $3M per Moore asked be worth it? Hockey Centric's Leaf blog is wondering the same thing.
Supposedly the Anaheim Ducks are just one of the many teams pursuing Niklas Hagman.

Rangers, Parenteau smack Panthers 2-1 in SO; Vokoun stops 27

Whale4ever — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:25:05 -0000

Final - 11.25.2009	1	2	3	OT	SO	Total
New York Rangers	0	1	0	0	1	2
Florida Panthers	0	0	1	0	0	1

Complete Coverage >

Shots Here and Shots There don't equate to Shots On Goal, as the Cats learned quickly on an evening where seemingly every attempt made at the Rangers' net went decidedly elsewhere.

Tomas Vokoun continued his exceptional play, stopping 27 shots while Radek Dvorak - not necessarily a name you'd look for in leading a club to victory - was all over the ice, during even-strength and penalty-killing minutes alike. His team-leading 4 shots and 19:57 TOI only add to his resume. But he can't do it alone, as was proven by the full-moon madness of Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss, neither unable to bowl for dollars when it counted.

Dominic Moore, diminutive though he may be, banged in his second goal of the season late in the third period to tie the game at one and save the opportunity to gain a point in the standings. An earlier goal by the Rangers' Marian Gaborik was now effectively negated. Until Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau became the only scorer in the post-post-regulation period, anyway.

New York's Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves, but it was the shots missed that told the story, regardless of the outcome. Oh yeah, he also plugged Reinprecht, Horton, and Weiss in the shootout. There's that.

Give them this: the Panthers made it interesting. And later is preferable to never. It wasn't two points, but sure beats the tar out of zero.

Lots to come tomorrow, including What the Panthers are Thankful For. Be there, and have a great remainder of the evening.

Rangers Recap: 2-1 Rangers (SO) the "we don't need no secondary scoring edition"

Joe Fortunato — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:15:08 -0000

More photos » by J Pat Carter - AP

24 days ago: Florida Panthers' Dominic Moore (19) misses a chance at goal as New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, of Sweden, defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

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Well at least not tonight, but it continues to be a problem that we will have to keep an eye on. The Gaborik's blew a 1-0 lead late in the third but won it in the shootout starting off their three game road trip on the proper notes. Say what you will, this was a gut check win for the Rangers; a win you can build on. The story of the night for MSG was the return of Rangers captian Chris Drury, who actually played a pretty brilliant game.

Wade Redden was injured in the first half of the first period, leaving the Rangers with five defensemen for the rest of the game. Then in the third period Matt Gilroy got into a fight to defend Vaclav Prospal and took a misconduct removing him from the game. As a result Michael Del Zotto, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi (who had a great game), and even Michael Rozsival played over 20 minutes each.

Henrik Lundqvist was brilliant throughout the game, making big stops when the Rangers needed him to; especially in the third period when the Rangers took back to back penalties. He helped the Rangers win this game, especially in the third period when the Rangers D was tired and overworked. The only goal he gave up was to former Ranger Dominic Moore,and he was screened pretty bad by Girardi.

Marian Gaborik extended his 7 game point scoring streak to 8 games, scoring his 19th goal of the year off of an unbelievable pass from Drury. Gaborik took the NHL lead in goals away from Dany Heatley, and continued helping the New York Rangers offensively. Its games like this when you really wish Higgins would score some goals, the Rangers have lost a bunch of one goal games this year and any contributions from Higgins (or Callahan) would be nice.

Now time for your empty netters:

Man Chris Higgins simply cannot score. He hit two posts tonight and had multiple scoring chances. If he keeps playing like this the goals will come in bunches.
I think today was Michael Rozsival's best day defensively, that's not to say he didn't make the occasional horrific "I wouldn't have even made that" play.
I also thought that Artem Anisimov and Sean Avery played awesome games.
I was one of the first people to say that I was not excited about Chris Drury coming back tonight, but if he plays like this every night I will be eating my words very soon. Here's to hoping that I eat my words.
After the end of regulation John Tortorella patted Sean Avery on the back, which drew some ire from a few Rangers fans I know. The Florida goal wasn't his fault, the pass handcuffed him and Lundqvist was screened.
Michael Del Zotto is the real deal, his power play prowess is just awesome to watch.
The power play did look a little de-fanged if you will without Ales Kotalik. He might be pretty bad five on five but he helps make that power play dangerous.
P.A Parenteau had his best game as a pro. He has earned a roster spot in my eyes, although it's not my eyes that matter. And boy does he have a set of hands on him, did you see that shootout goal? It was sick. He has become a bit of a shootout specialist going 2 for 2 in his career thus far.
Henrik Lundqvist has the twin towers on the back of his helmet. Maybe it's just me but I love that he embraces New York City, classy move in my eyes.

Panthers drop Sabres 6-2

Whale4ever — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:36:32 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

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A terrific game - and I just had to alter the final tally by the visitors to 6 - the Cats buried the Sabres by a score of 6-2 on a pair of goals by Michael Frolik, Dominic Moore's two points and Keith Ballard's three assists.

A game which began as a snoozefest became one of "Oh yeah? Yeah", leading the way to an unexpected yet well-deserved victory over the fourth place club in the Eastern Conference. 18 points, baby.

Starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped 26 of 28 shots, while Frolik is finally rewarded with his four shots on goal.

Panthers injury links for Sunday

Whale4ever — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:30:09 -0000

Florida Panthers Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Dominic Moore	other-excused	11/08/2009
Gregory Campbell	head	11/08/2009
Kamil Kreps	foot	11/08/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Nick Tarnasky	other-excused	09/26/2009
David Booth	concussion	10/25/2009
Radek Dvorak	knee	10/25/2009

Just a quick link-check from the infirmary...

The newest of member of the Cats' wounded list is gritty Gregory Campbell, who received a puck to the face courtesy of Brian Pothier in last night's loss to Washington. Coach Pete DeBoer referred to the injury as a "significant cut" and held a stitched Soup from the third period (which no doubt benefitted Campbell's plus-minus for the evening). Given the Panthers don't play again until Thursday it would seem doubtful he'll miss any time, barring further undisclosed damage.

As of Friday, winger David Booth remained planted on an exercise bike, though for no more than 10 minute stretches. Sayeth The Dood: "This is the longest I've ever gone without doing anything. I don't like it, but it is part of the process and you have to stick with the program." Various reports have his concussion-related symptoms retreating, but the Cats are taking absolutely no chances with their star forward.

Did you know Dominic Moore's brother is an author? No, not that brother. Meanwhile, nothing new from Dom, who still wasn't skating through Thursday following nasal surgery.

Penalty-killing-guru Radek Dvorak found his way to the ice on Friday - and skated on it. Great news for a guy who just two weeks ago suffered an MCL tear. Shoot for a potential return to the lineup Thursday, says the Sun-Sentinel. Pointless trivia: Booth, Moore, and Dvorak all sustained their issues in the infamous Philadelphia fiasco.

Forward Kamil Kreps skipped the Washington trip altogether with a "bruised foot" (is that better or worse than a "lower body injury"?) but also hopes for a Thursday return.

Remember Nick Tarnasky? Neither do we, but the left wing remains out with a busted orbital bone sustained in a preseason fight with Ottawa's Chris Neil. Looks to be quite a while longer, according to DeBoer several weeks ago.

Panthers - Stars: (Very) Quick notes for Friday

Whale4ever — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:13:16 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

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Similar to Nathan above, I've been - in the words of a former supervisor who lacked an elementary grasp on spelling - "supper bussy" over the past few days, but we'll be up and running this evening.

Tonight's game features no fewer question marks than any other from this young season, only insert forward Jeff Taffe and remove C Dominic Moore, who evidently needed surgery to put his nose back in it's correct spot. The haunting of that infamous Philly game continues.

Dallas' Steve Ott (he of 696 career penalty minutes) has been suspended a third time, so we won't be seeing his smiling face. Mike Modano is on the IR, as is Jere Lehtonen, but Modano could return to the ice tonight.

In their last meeting, Florida defeated the Stars 6-3 in late March on the efforts of Cory Stillman's three point-night (1g). These are two very different clubs today, so all bets are off.

The Open Thread goes LIVE at 7:30 EST. Hope to see ya. Have a great Halloween-Eve-Day (?)...

The DeBoer Scramble: New lines highlight Booth-less Panthers

Whale4ever — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:40:53 -0000

More photos » by Steve Mitchell - AP

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As would be expected following the loss of two crucial contributors (David Booth's 31 goals last season and Radek Dvorak's two shorties so far in the current year), coach Pete DeBoer has no choice but to rock his listing boat.

Forwards Kenndal McArdle and Michal Repik join the club from Rochester, making the act of following tomorrow night's action an exercise in confusion, at least initially.

From the Official Site, Dave Joseph provides us with what may be ancient history after the first period against Ottawa:

Steve Reinprecht, Cory Stillman, Nathan Horton
Steven Weiss, Michael Frolik, Rostislav Olesz
Dominic Moore, Gregory Campbell, Repik
Kamil Kreps, McArdle, Ville Koistinen

I'm completely intrigued by the last line: Kreps-McArdle-Koistinen certainly represents three different hockey philosophies which should be a blast to watch. Moore centering Campbell and Repik could be a lot of fun as well. Rhino sandwiched between Stiller and Horts could go in any direction - hopefully up - but I'm saving the uber-stokedness reaction for the second trio. Weiss, Frolik, and Rusty hold some potential in my eyes. Neither winger has had a true number-one center for any extended period in their (admittedly short) NHL careers; this may be kewl to watch.

In any case, the Cats are without their number-one LW along with the club's penalty-killing guru. Each and every member of the team is gonna have to dig deep.

See ya here tomorrow at 6:30.

Where was Panthers' on-ice response to Booth hit?

Whale4ever — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:14:47 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

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Much of the discussion around the Mike Richards / David Booth incident has begun morphing from "Was it dirty?" to "Why did Florida remain passive in the aftermath?". In light of the event, it seems a fair question. The league will do what it sees fit ~~by burying its head in the sand~~, no doubt sticking close to the rule book and judging Richards on his history of gentlemanly play. No argument there.

But indeed, where was the expected emotion by the Cats after the hit? When the stretcher was removed, the players reassembled on the ice, awaiting the imminent next dropping of the puck...we got blank stares. Obviously, the Panthers were first and foremost concerned about the fallen camrade, as we all were.

But then? What about that which inevitably follows an incident such as this? Typically, it's a foregone conclusion that most clubs on the losing end of a check of that magnitude are going to "respond", whether right or wrong. This is hockey after all. Call it a barbaric (wink, wink) line of thought with no place in today's game, but the spectre looms overhead, as it has for decades: an eye for an eye, and all that.

We've obviously evolved much of that out of the "modern" version of the NHL, but c'mon: there was nothing from the Florida Panthers once Booth was removed.

Of course, Dominic Moore (busy stuffing his nose with enough tissue to entice day-traders into Kleenex territory), Radek Dvorak (gone after being helped off the ice following the losing side of a knee-on-knee), and Dmitry Kulikov (still seeing blue diamonds after a faceplant into the glass) were all exempted from any retaliatory action. But where was Gregory Campbell? Where was anyone? Not a soul was willing to mix it up with the Flyers in defense of their own honor?

No doubt following the orders handed down by coach Peter DeBoer, the players probably subscribed to a collective thought that the game was not out of hand, still within reach, blah, blah. At 3-1, it wasn't unrealistic, and the Cats were matching the intensity of their hosts.

This wasn't a late-round playoff game, however. Some on-ice anything would have been preferable to sitting back on their paws, awaiting a predetermined fate.

Shoulda mixed it up. In addition to a nasty record of 2-6-1, Florida now faces the ugly labels of "passive", "weak", and "uninspired".

All the best to Booth, of course, but what's left of this club if they won't make the effort of standing up for each other?

Poll

The lack of a "response" by Florida displayed a lack of courage by:

The players...whether scared or indifferent, they turtled

140 votes

The Coach...Pistol Pete has a responsibility to his men and the logo on their chests

42 votes

No one...a frightening incident clouded the rest of the evening

36 votes

218 votes | Poll has closed