SB Nation - Michael Frolik

Prospal, Gaborik keep Rangers hot, skin Panthers 4-1

Whale4ever — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:51:59 -0000

More photos » by Paul J. Bereswill - AP

about 20 hours ago: New York Rangers' Sean Avery (16) knocks Florida Panthers' Dennis Seidenberg (4) off-balance in the second period of an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill)

Browse more photos »

Final - 12.23.2009	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	1	0	0	1
New York Rangers	1	1	2	4

Complete Coverage >

PP goals. SH goals. Sean Avery's patented yappin'. It all clicked for New York tonight as the Rangers cruised to 4-1 victory at home.

The Panthers, winners of four of their past five, fell quietly in comparison to recent nights: Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Michael Frolik - a reincarnated Legion of Doom lately - finished with a collective zero points and -6, while goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped 28 of 32 shots, with relatively little support. Shut down that foursome and the sad conclusion is only a matter of time.

And there, folks, is your game.

The Rangers, still propelled by a John Tortorella vitriol-fueled rant a week ago, won their fourth in a row on the efforts of more than a few: Marian Gaborik's two points, Vinny Prospal's two goals, and of course Henrik Lundqvist's singular brand of magic (33 saves...a few simply outstanding), along with a little Avery ribbing (for his pleasure) kept New York in control.

Florida appeared lost on occassion, seemingly a step (or shot, or pass) behind their hosts most of the evening. Could throw that rap on coach Peter DeBoer, but from a purely personal view, I'm going with fatigue. Doesn't bode well for the road ahead, but whatever.

If you've got to fall, this is the time: heading into a brief Christmas break, the Cats could certainly use some days away from the rink given their schedule over the last eight weeks.

Next up: Boston at the BAC on Sunday.

VIDEO: Panthers - Flyers - but mostly Panthers Highlights

Whale4ever — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:51:41 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

2 days ago: Florida Panthers' Michael Frolik (67), of the Czech Republic, gets a shot past Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michael Leighton (49) in the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, in Philadelphia. Florida won 4-1. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

Final - 12.21.2009	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	1	1	2	4
Philadelphia Flyers	0	0	1	1

Complete Coverage >

So, how 'bout them Eagles?

Weiss, Vokoun lead Panthers to physical victory on road, smack Flyers 4-1

Whale4ever — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:41:33 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

2 days ago: Philadelphia Flyers' Daniel Carcillo (13) is sent flying after being checked by Florida Panthers' Jason Garrison (52) and Mike Duco (68) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Browse more photos »

Points aplenty by the end of this one: Stephen Weiss (career-high 4 points), Michael Frolik (3), and Nathan Horton (2 goals) led the Florida offense over a confused and mentally battered Flyers club which displayed neither a semblance of confidence nor a peek at the realistic talent which is being paid top dollar.

Yes, the game got physical, as ~~hoped for~~ expected: Gregory Campbell and Ian Laperriere with fighting majors just 1:48 in, captains Bryan McCabe and Mike Richards at 3:42, and Mike Duco taking on a rather spry Laperriere at 13:26. Of the first period.

It settled down, however, as both teams gained - or lost - their legs in front of 19,323 paying patrons: a two-goal Florida lead going into the third frame was expanded upon (rather quickly) as the Cats banged in another duo within the opening six minutes.

Bottom Line: Panthers kept cool, resilient, and open to adjustment (rumors say that's what winning teams do) on a strange, bizarre evening. So much was expected: defending the honor of ~~Charlestown~~ Sunrise is never a short order, but this bunch made it look good (Laperriere's 30 minutes in penalties didn't hurt, yet keep in mind Dennis Seidenberg burned 17 of his own on a terrific night with 22:08, 1 assist, and a +1). Coach Pete DeBoer - again - kept his troops on-topic during what might have degenerated into bedlam with the entire league watching. Left Wachovia with the win, a healthy roster, and heretofore unbeknownst confidence...a combination hardly believable just days ago.

For the curious: Steve MacIntyre, understandably expected to log a healthy block of time, clocked 2 minutes on the ice (1 shot). Mike Duco got the lion's share of attention, logging 6:29 (5 pim) while garnering a boatload of money shots via Fox Sports Florida. Bryan Allen was a sparkplug as well (4 pim, 3 shots, 20:12 TOI).

Notes: Florida scored three power play goals. Philadelphia netminder Brian Boucher (hand injury) was yanked after allowing two goals on 13 shots; recent Carolina castoff Michael Leighton replaced him, stopping 15 of 17. Final SOG: PHI over FLA 31-30. McCabe, Allen, Seidenberg, and Duco all had at least 4 pim for the Cats, while Laperierre, Mike Richards ('member him?), and Danny Briere did the same for the Flyers.

Next up: Rangers on Wednesday.

Panthers' Big Unit: Back on wing, Horton's numbers never happier

Whale4ever — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:56:45 -0000

More photos » by Wilfredo Lee - AP

2 months ago: Philadelphia Flyers left wing Simon Gagne, left, and Florida Panthers center Nathan Horton battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Browse more photos »

What a difference a few weeks make. In the case of Nathan Horton, we are witnessing a (major?) renaissance.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Nathan Horton	35	11	23	34	8	28	5	1	2	0	78	14.1

Those numbers above are superb if your name is anything other than Ovechkin, Malkin, Crosby, or a quite small handful of others. For a player with the win-some lose-some history of Horton, they're doubly stunning.

Consider his first point of the season came in the fifth game, a goal inTampa Bay. In fact, he's had a total of thirteen games gone pointless; not sure what to gain from that, other than when he's on, he's on: nine multi-point matches have resulted in 19 points glued to his stats. Consider as well that he was a minus player until November 20th...the twentieth game of the season. He's now a strong plus-8.

Five goals through the first twenty matches, and six in the fifteen since (3 of those in the recent Islanders game, but still...). Go to assists, and a balanced resume is taking shape: splitting 20/15 his numbers are as follow: 11/12.

Remarkable.

Next up: Stephen Weiss and Michael Frolik

Frolik exorcises Panthers' third-period demons, nets winner over Thrashers

Whale4ever — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:30:23 -0000

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

7 days ago: Atlanta Thrashers goalie Johan Hedberg (1) is unable to stop the puck scored by Florida Panthers' Stephen Weiss in the first period of an NHL hockey game as Dominic Moore (19) and Ron Hainsey (6) look on in Sunrise, Fla., Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Browse more photos »

A 3-1 lead carried into the third. A 3-1 lead blown in the third. Slava Kozlov scores at 6:27 of the final frame to wipe away any memory of Stephen Weiss, Radek Dvorak, and Bryan McCabe's efforts earlier in the evening.

Again, fans could smell it...another dominant game set to fall short after forty minutes. The expected became a most unexpected surprise as the Cats kept their heads. The result? First regulation win in Sunrise since November 4th. Home win number five. Five.

Let that sink in as you prep for the holidays among the crowds in mid-December.

Michael Frolik banged home his 10th of the year at the 18:39 mark, ultimately sealing the victory for Florida (though Atlanta hung on, hung on, hung on until the very end). The Thrashers have surprised, shocked, and impressed the league of late; tonight was no different after Ilya Kovalchuk and Nik Antropov paved the way for Kozlov's stunner.

The payoff? Two points gained. Period. For the first time in recent memory, the Panthers gave up nothing to their opponent at the BankAtlantic Center. Peter DeBoer instilled focus. Believe it.

For the curious: Nathan Horton had two assists.

Tomas Vokoun walled 20 shots as Atlanta's Johan Hedberg stopped 25 in a game which played out as a bit on the wilder shores of defensive responsibility for both clubs.

Florida's Bryan McCabe led the game with - get this - 8 shots on goal. If you can find a Panthers defenseman who topped that since the lockout ended, I'll owe you a Coke.

More to come in the a.m as we prep for a weekend of Jim Rutherford Deathwatch madness...

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?

Saturday Caterwaul - Panthers Open Forum

Whale4ever — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:37:34 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

12 days ago: Florida Panthers' Michael Frolik, left, of the Czech Republic, puts the puck into the net for a goal past New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, in Newark, N.J. The Panthers defeated the Devils 4-2. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Browse more photos »

That third period pass from Nathan Horton up to a flying Michael Frolik was a thing of remarkable beauty:

Um, the goal was nice too. The Cats dodged a bloody big bullet by holding on for a regulation win against New Jersey on what ostensibly was Martin Brodeur Night.

(Notice the three statements in the above sentence which are almost never, ever employed in unison: "Cats dodged", "holding on", and "regulation win"? Say it ain't so, Randy...)

So what's ahead for Florida as they cruise into balmy Pittsburgh this evening? Was Friday a fluke, engineered by hype over Brodeur's potential for his date with eternity? Has Frolik officially "arrived"? Safely under the radar flew Stephen Weiss, back on the scoresheet with two assists, has shown solid consistency and durability this year; is he finally the centerman fans have clamored for all this time? And do the Panthers really have any chance at all in balmy Pittsburgh?

What's on your mind?

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

12 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)

Browse more photos »

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

Browse more photos »

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

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

16 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)

Browse more photos »

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.