SB Nation - Shawn Matthias

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?

Malkin nets PP goal in OT, Penguins down scrappy Panthers 3-2

Whale4ever — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:07:44 -0000

More photos » by Gene J. Puskar - AP

Steven Reinprecht's 11th goal - his first since ~~2006~~ November 21st - kept the Cats in contention.

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In the end the Panthers indeed gained a point in the standings. And for that we are happy.

Right?

There really wasn't much to complain about with the Cats' effort against a team many figured would roll over them, but Florida-Pittsburgh games are always grudgematches, and tonight was no different. Peter DeBoer - heavily criticized recently for his club's perceived lack of preparation - had his boys ready for just about anything. Except overtime penalty kills...

Shawn Matthias appeared to have lost a couple of teeth after a brutal cross check to the face by Evgeny Malkin (who received a double minor on the play), but came back for more, only to wind up taking the butt-end of yet another stick to the face late in the third (no call on that one).

But that was the extent of tonight's "controversies", which really amounted to nothing. The Penguins, not playing to their traditional strengths, were a bit outside of their comfort zone, allowing numerous odd-man chances to break through the defensive zone. Backup goaltender Brent Johnson - in his first start since November 27th - looked to be channeling Lyndon Johnson at times, displaying the rust inherent from a long layoff, but coming up large when it mattered. He stopped 29 shots in what could have been a bloodbath for a lesser Number Two. That's what good clubs do. Malkin was the hero this time around, burying a Sergei Gonchar pass to end it - quickly - in the overtime period.

Steve Reinprecht and Stephen Weiss (grabbing his 14th of the year) scored for the Panthers, keeping it more than mildly interesting for fans in South Florida.

Tomas Vokoun was phenomenally outstanding at times, especially in the first frame, when he may have represented the entire Cats' defense. Embarrassing though it may be, we're used to it, and presumably so is "T-Vo".

Bottom line: the Pens caught up with themselves and did what they do: win. They are truly a fabulous club which can dig deep to close the deal, late power plays notwithstanding. The Panthers were not humiliated in any sense, and leaving The Igloo with a point is a major positive.

Off to Long Island...

Frolik, Clemmensen propel Panthers over Devils; no record yet for Brodeur

Whale4ever — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:39:18 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

13 days ago: Florida Panthers' Stephen Weiss, left, of Germany, checks New Jersey Devils' Johnny Oduya, of Sweden, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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On a night tailor-made for a longstanding record to fall, the Florida Panthers slammed the door on any such thoughts for a home crowd thirsty to get the hype behind behind them.

Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur was denied his 104th shutout on defenseman Jordan Leopold's fourth of the year with a beautiful read, blasting the puck past an astonished New Jersey club at 3:53 of the first period. For all the times Florida keeps fans guessing, tonight was a happy exception.

Shots ended up 28 to 22 in the Devils' favor, but Michael Frolik's two goals - the second a spectacular one-on-none against Brodeur - proved to be the difference. The guy was determined and displaying the effort we've seen repeatedly but seldom witnessed a payoff. Frolik also led the Panthers with seven shots on goal.

Shawn Matthias scored his second of the season as Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss climbed back on to the train with two assists each.

Dean McAmmond and Brian Rolston scored for New Jersey.

Scott Clemmensen was imperfect but more than solid in net for the Cats; it was quite obvious where his heart resided on this night, downing a club which many claimed slighted him late in 2009.

More to come tomorrow...and keep in mind the Cats are headlining in Pittsburgh Saturday against Craig Adams, Brent Johnson, and the rest of the Penguins. Open thread goes live at 6pm.

Game 30 Preview: Jackets face Panthers in Columbus

Mike MacLean — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:56:59 -0000

More photos » by Jay LaPrete - AP

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The Jackets have had some time-three full days in fact-to regoup and, as I've said here many times before, right the ship. The team is coming off of two bad losses to the Leafs and Avalanche, two teams the Jackets need to beat. Tonight the Panthers come to town, and this being an out-of-conference matchup it is important to pick up these points. The Jackets have historically played well against the East, and that needs to continue this evening.

Dorsett makes his return to the lineup tonight-the team has missed his energy and forechecking badly. He brings a spark to the team that was obviously missing while he was out with a concussion. This is Murray's second game of the season, and I look for him to have a strong game. The lines have been adjusted quite significantly outside of the top line, with Umby sliding back to center with Jake and Chimmer. Chimmer has been playing very well lately, and I'm hopeful he can build on that given the chance to play with some skilled linemates.

Mase returns to the net, he simply must focus on the game and avoid letting in bad goals. The defense as a whole needs to continue to impove, and if the team continues to avoid playing the style the coaching staff is preaching, the ugly losses will continue to mount. If a team tries to play a skill game, without having the necessary skill to back it up, that's when you can kiss the season good-bye.

The Panthers have some skilled forwards and a decent defense, not to mention Vokoun is a fantastic goaltender. This will be a tough matchup, but one the Jackets can defeat. As far as I'm concerned, this is a must-win. In fact, you can say that about all of the games remaining this month. If they can go on a decent winning streak, they are right back in it.

Fearless Prediction: Victory?

Game Time: 7:00pm ET

Opponent's Blog: Litter Box Cats

Game Page: Panthers vs Blue Jackets Coverage

TV: FSN Ohio

Radio: WBNS-AM (1460); WWCD-FM (101.1)

More after the jump...

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Rule of thumb: He who forechecks, wins. The Blue Jackets have struggled against speedy forechecks this season, and they haven't established much of one lately, either. All that's left for the Panthers from three blockbuster trades (Roberto Luongo, Olli Jokinen and Jay Bouwmeester) are defensemen Keith Ballard, Jordan Leopold and Bryan Allen.

Jackets Links:

Columbus Blue Jackets / Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster / Columbus Blue Jackets Stats

Here are the lineups for tonight's tilt:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Kristian Huselius	Antoine Vermette	Rick Nash
Jason Chimera	R.J. Umberger	Jakub Voracek
Andrew Murray	Samuel Pahlsson	Jared Boll
Raffi Torres	Derick Brassard	Derek Dorsett

Fedor Tyutin	Marc Methot
Mike Commodore	Jan Hejda
Kris Russell	Anton Stralman

Steve Mason

Mathieu Garon

EXTRA: Mike Blunden, Mathieu Roy, Derek MacKenzie

INJURED: Fredrik Modin, Rostislav Klesla

Florida Panthers

Steven Reinprecht	Stephen Weiss	Nathan Horton
Rostislav Olesz	Dominc Moore	Michael Frolik
Shawn Matthias	Jeff Taffe	Radek Dvorak
Victor Oreskovich	Kamil Kreps	Mike Duco

Bryan McCabe	Keith Ballard
Jordan Leopold	Dennis Seidenberg
Bryan Allen	Dmitry Kulikov

Tomas Vokoun

Scott Clemmensen

Need some good news, Panthers fans? Try this...

Whale4ever — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:09:57 -0000

Hockey's Future - the first and last word in puck prospects - has released their Organizational Rankings for Fall of 2009, and Florida places higher than ever ever before. Of course, we knew they would, but still.

Seriously, Hockey's Future is mighty impressed with what the Panthers are - with all respect to Rochester/Estero/Etc. - growing down on the farm. Maybe even a tad enamored with what GM Randy Sexton has done the summer.

According to HF editor Ian Bross, it's Florida's highest appearance ever - organizationally speaking - on their list (you may unclench your fists now, fellow Cat fans...nothing negative this time around). Who's number one in the organization? Goaltender Jacob Markstrom, followed by some kid who will play tomorrow on D for the Cats.

Head over and enjoy.

Hockey's Future: Markstrom, Kulikov, Matthias tops for Panthers

Whale4ever — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:07:42 -0000

In a league chock full of ironies, it should come as no surprise that Hockey's Future released it's Organizational Depth Analysis for Florida on the very day Pistol Pete DeBoer hauled a stunned Scott Clemmensen out of his net less than two minutes into a first-period shelling by the visiting Sabres.

Who's tops on HF's list? Panthers goaltender-of-the-future Jacob Markstrom, of course.

The game in question was not necessarily "lost" by the 'tending tandem of Clemmer and Tomas Vokoun, but neither was in game-stealing form, either. (They did look superb in their new masks, however.)

Which brings us to Markstrom, biding his time in the Elitserien, and finishing up which will arguably be his final professional bow in Europe. Cats fans have been waiting the better part of two years to see the "kid" up close, and it's hard to fathom that opportunity will arise any later than training camp 2010-11.

Whomever's at the reigns of this franchise come that time will have a confounding decision to make: Clemmer? Two years remaining on his contract. Alexander Salak? His first year of North American hockey under his belt, via Rochester (and he's looking good so far). Assuming Vokoun remains with the club past the next trade deadline (it's almost inconceivable that he will, given his salary and consistent inconsistencies), that's four presumably NHL-ready netminders. In a perfect world, anyway.

A few notes on the HF list:

Michal Repik and Keaton Ellerby at 4 and 5, right where they should be. Evgeni Dadonov in the ninth spot? He just got here, folks. Kenndal McArdle hangs on at number 20. Kulikov will be out of the "prospect" category by January.

Panthers Dominic Moore arrives; angry mob thins

Whale4ever — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:46:10 -0000

Newly-signed Panthers center Dominic Moore was finally on South Florida ice this morning following immigration issues which held up his arrival for a longer-than-usual period of time. Pencil him in for the third line, joining wings Radek Dvorak and Rostislav Olesz. Gregory Campbell will most likely take up residence on the fourth triumvirate with Kamil Kreps and natural D-man Ville Koistinen, who has covered the forward spot. The move allowed for Shawn Matthias' demotion (as such) to Rochester. Take heed, though:

(Coach Pete) DeBoer spoke a little bit today about the ineffectiveness of the second line. Michael Frolik has played better than Reinprecht and Cory Stillman, but as a whole the line has been subpar. One interesting note: DeBoer said Moore is capable of playing on the Panthers' second line and that he considers every forward spot up for competition below the top line of Horton, Stephen Weiss and David Booth.

- South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Steve Gorten (and a wealth of solid stuff from practice is included)

Just what does Moore bring to the club? A lot has been made of his faceoff prowess, and perhaps rightfully so: in 63 games with TOR last year, he placed second on the team among those who played more than 60 contests. (One could focus on his short stint after the trade deadline with BUF as a potential harbinger of things to come, but 18 games with a new team and unfamiliar surroundings do not a player make. Argue it in the comments.) He banged out a 54.8 winning percentage in the category, which crushes all Panthers from that year - by a wide margin (Stephen Weiss led Florida with 50.9%). On a club gasping for faceoff wins, this can only be looked at as a very nice addition.

His 41 points (again, in 63 games) slots in between Michael Frolik (45 points) and Dvorak (36) among forwards...and of the two only Frolik is listed as a center, though he played a bundle of shifts at wing. Take him out of the mix, and former (indeed, future) linemates Weiss and natural-winger-turned-center Nathan Horton were the only two from the middle spot to score higher. Granted, we're not talking Gretzky/Messier here, but it's what we've got.

Statistically, there's nothing flashy about his numbers, but that faceoff percentage should stick out like a hammer-battered thumb on a team of collective faceoff retardation. Anyway, here's his first "GrowlTV":

Panthers fall to 1-4 with pathetic 3rd period loss to Lightning

Whale4ever — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:40:54 -0000

Cats blow a third-period lead - against the Lightning - and end the day (heck, the week) pointless. Guess I shouldn't leave town again. Ever.

First off, big thanks to DolPhanDave and his second-to-none effort at keeping the site alive over the past week; having been away for my brother's wedding (which was phenomenal, BTW) I had zero opportunities to check in and do the necessary stuff. DpD was all over it and I couldn't be more thankful.

With that behind us, here's what I returned to:

Niittymaki did indeed get an assist on that winning goal, for what it's worth. Maybe now we can testify to having Seen Stamkos. And if you simply have to grab for something, Vinny Lecavalier (2a) finished with a minus-1 - the only Bolt without an even or positive rating. Yipee-freakin'-yippers.

What's the deal? It's not like this was one of those 20-shot deficits the Panthers so routinely find themselves facing. In fact, Florida outshot the home club (33-32), and even opened the scoring with a shortie from Radek Dvorak in the first. Nathan Horton's PP marker in the second should have been enough for Tomas Vokoun to carry through the third. It wasn't.

Some numbers that stick out: David Booth's game-leading seven SOG (-1). Cory Stillman's zero SOG. Shawn Matthias' 2:28 of ice time - total. Announced attendance: 14,126 (No. Way.).

Quote of the night:

"The first two periods I don't think we played Tampa Bay hockey. A little bit too much river boat gambling and trading chances for chances."

- Lightning coach Rick Tocchet, who knows a thing or two about gambling

So, what's next next? Good stuff ahead, as the Cats face Chris Pronger and the Flyers on Friday at home. No challenge there.

The Panthers currently sit in 14th spot in the conference with a 1-4 record (the irony being the only victory was a shootout win...go figure). Too early to call for heads on platters? And which heads would those be?

Panthers beat Blackhawks 4-3 (SO) from Helsinki, game one

Whale4ever — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:42:52 -0000

More photos » by Vesa Moilanen - AP

Dave Roland and Brian Campbell of Chicago Blackhawks and Rostilav Olesz, left, of Florida Panthers at the NHL Premier ice hockey game Chicago Blackhawks vs. Florida Panthers in Helsinki , Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Vesa Moilanen?lehtikuva)

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A nail-biter in so many ways, the Cats never lost their cool when they would have in years past.

Playing from behind the entire match, Florida simply dominated the first period with exceptional positional play, but came up with nothing. Terrific opportunities by Nathan Horton, David Booth, and the entire third line of Radek Dvorak, Rusty Olesz, and Gregory Campbell all came up short. Chicago played tentatively, laying back and allowing the Pathers to force the game; only 'Hawks goaltender Cristobal Huet kept it close.

The second frame was an entirely different experience, as anyone who follows the Cats knows well: a step behind, fearful of getting involved in the play, spending a healthy portion of the period in their own zone. Tomas Vokoun, who would look so solid in minutes to come, began his "flopping" routine, though it never led to a goal by the opposition. Only Patrick Kane, with laser speed, was able to bring about a red light, zooming in on T-Vo directly out of the penalty box. Michael Frolik tied it up eight minutes later, and there the score remained through the second.

The third was a more balanced performance from both clubs, as everyone eventually gained their "legs". The teams exchanged goals, led by Chicago as it had been the entire day: Byfuglien, then Koistinen, then Sharp, and finished up by David Booth with a late tally to send the deal to overtime. There were moments it appeared the Cats wouldn't get that far. It was tenuous, but they kept a confident air and prevailed.

Overtime was a case of Don't Worry, Be Happy, as the Panthers simply attempted to escape, backed up formidably by Vokoun...who came to play, as it turned out.

The shootout allowed me to pose the question: does DeBoer utilize Koistinen? Indeed he did, and the right call it was: following Steven Reinprecht's goal (tying Jonathon Toew's effort), Koistinen sealed it for the Cats (drawing a huge reaction from his hometown crowd). Vokoun put the stops on Patrick Sharp. Game. Set. Two points.

NOTES: Dvorak looked positively posessed, though not reckless, in his leadership and effort. Kulikov is a keeper; plays like he's a 30 year-old veteran first-rounder. Voukoun is a flippin' and a floppin', but as scary as his style is, he makes it work (just looks terrifying). Nathan Horton had some nice opportunities, but little luck; never fear: his wrister is as wicked as ever. Hitting the post on a partial breakaway only inspired Booth, who had the final tying goal. Shawn Matthias: a work in progress. Michael Frolik finished with a goal and an assist (and is the answer to "who scored the Cats' first goal in 2009-10"?). Michal Repik, Jason Garrison, and Alex Salak were healthy scratches. Vokoun's pads look supreme. Olesz had a few moments of pro-style goodness, looking better than ever, but he's got to pick up his aggressiveness (though he led the club with five shots). Quickly. Lagging behind Dvorak and Campbell isn't going to earn him points. The Panthers fired 24 shots at Huet; Chicago only managed 55 against Vokoun (24 in the third!). New captain Bryan McCabe was quite vocal throughout the day. Defenseman Bryan Allen - he of a loooong recovery from knee surgery - appeared comfortable. And has anyone seen Stanley C. Panther?

We'll do it all again tomorrow, folks...this time with Florida as the "home" team. Live Blog once again at 11am.

Related: Second City Hockey, Blackhawks vs Panthers coverage

Dallas Stars Afternoon Update and Game Info

Brandon Worley — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:23:10 -0000

First off, there will be no radio broadcast of the Stars and Panthers game so we won't have a game day thread up tonight. Unless you guys want one to just discuss the live boxscore.

In lieu of a formal preview for the game, here are some quick notes and info for tonight:

Brad will be at the AAC tonight and will have an in depth analysis of the game tomorrow. I'll put up the results of the game as soon as it's over.
The Stars will be putting a pretty decent lineup on the ice tonight, with the Panthers saving their big names for their home game tomorrow. Projected rosters for tonight:

Morrow-Ribeiro-Brunnstrom
Neal-Richards-Eriksson
Sutherby-Modano-Benn
Gazdic-Gagnon-Beaudoin

Grossman-Robidas
Woywitka-Niskanen
Fistric-Hutchinson

Climie
Krahn

Michael Repik, Graham Mink, Jeff Taffe,
Kamil Kreps, Shawn Matthias, Evgeni Dadonov,
Adam Keefe, Victor Oreskovich, Mike Duco,
Kenndal McArdle, Scott Timmins, Rostislav Olesz.

Clay Wilson, Ville Koistenen,
Christian Backman, Keaton Ellerby,
Martin Skoula, Jason Garrison.

Scott Clemmensen,
Alexander Salak

Mike Heika is saying that Matt Niskanen is getting a lot of practice with the first group on the power play next to Brad Richards, something to keep an eye on tonight. Or ear. Or just read about it.
The Texas Stars have opened up their training camp today. You can follow all the news by going to the team site (TexasStarsHockey.com) or at Big D Hockey (BigDHockey.com).
Speaking of which, after the jump you can get your first official glimpse of the Texas Stars sweaters. [H/T to Andrew's Dallas Stars Page]