SB Nation - Florida Panthers

Rangers Analysis: It's Sitting On a Silver Platter, Now Capture It

NYRBlogger — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:36 -0000

The Rangers upcoming pre-Christmas schedule presents them with a golden opportunity to get themselves back in the playoff picture. Tonight, they are in Raleigh taking on the last place, that's right, last place Carolina Hurricanes in a game that the Blueshirts should definitely come out of with two points, as long as the effort is there. So you figure they then have 37 points going into Wednesday's tilt with the Florida Panthers, the team holding onto the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (8th place).

If New York can somehow tie the Panthers in the standings, they will get the nod over Florida being that they will have several games at hand. If they can come away with wins in both of their next two, it is likely that they will pass the streaky Panthers and grab eighth place for themselves. It sitting there on a silver platter, now it is just a matter of executing.

The Rangers have been playing a better product of hockey since the pathetic 2-1 loss to the Islanders last Wednesday, due in part to the new environment in the locker room with coach Tortorella strictly applying his "darwinistic" policy. Either you play consistently or you are benched. It is as simple as that and we know he means business with veterans Wade Redden and Ales Kotalik watching from the press box for the last two games. I like it, and feel that it is a possibility that Torts was being held back from doing this earlier by management, Glen Sather for example. That is just pure speculation, though.

I truly believe if the Blueshirts can come out with starts like they did in Philadelphia on Saturday, retrieving loose pucks, outskating the opponent, and keeping play in the offensive zone, then they will get two points more frequently than they have in the recent past. If this team allows the opponent to control the tempo from the opening faceoff, which tends to be the case much too often, they never seem to recover from that and the entire contest is one giant struggle. That is not a winning formula by any means.

When matching-up with a team like Carolina, it is crucial to jump on them quickly. Their fans are obviously a bit irritated knowing that their 'Canes were a playoff team just a year ago, and now only have nine wins on the season so far in 09-10. In a relatively low-scoring NHL, that first early goal, especially on the road, can go so far against any team, but it will definitely have a major impact on a club that has struggled since opening night.

The Rangers are 1-1 this season against the Panthers, falling on home ice but winning in the shootout when meeting again in Sunshine, Florida. The Panthers have been up and down the standings for the past month or so, but right now are at an even .500, just like our Blueshirts. This is a team in which the Rangers should defeat if they can capitalize on their scoring chances, but clearly that has not been an easy task for the team this year.

The fact that goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is red-hot and playing out of his mind lately factors into this as well. In the first period on Long Island and in the third period in Philly, Hank took center stage and stood on his head, making saves on just about anything and everything that was thrown his way. When this is the case, the Rangers always have a higher probability of winning than losing. If they can come away with victories in these next two games and re-enter the playoff picture, the entire struggle can be put behind them and they can start fresh after Christmas when they clash with the Islanders at Madison Square Garden on the 26th.

Monday Caterwaul - Panthers Open Forum - "We Didn't Forget" Edition

Whale4ever — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:26 -0000

"I don't know if we're just going to run around and try to fight everybody we see,"

- Defenseman Keith Ballard, presumably joking, via the Sun-Sentinel

So, what's the topic of discussion for today? Weather sure is delightful...

Poll

A bloodbath tonight?

Fantasy Hockey Team of the Week: Dec.14-20

Rafal Ladysz — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:28:57 -0000

More photos » by Steve Mitchell - AP

8 months ago: Florida Panthers forward Nathan Horton holds his hand up to his right eye after being hit by the Ottawa Senators defenseman Chris Phillips during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 31, 2009, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Mitchell)

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Welcome to fantasy hockey team of the week, a series which will be found weekly on Die By the Blade. Our primary objective is to create the finest fantasy squad consisting of a center, left winger, right winger, two defensemen and one goaltender. In other words, just like a normal group regularly on the ice in game action.

We'll in addition herald a young gun, have a laugh at the gaffe of the week, highlight the best goal and more. By the season's end, a count will be undertaken to determine which players showed up in the most weeks. Of course, I'll try to provide some tips, real tips, for those involved in deep fantasy hockey pools.

Tons of scoring took place for the Nashville Predators, 23 goals in four victories to be exact, but it wasn't the expected players taking care of business for the most part. Marcel Goc has been tossed onto a number of lines by Barry Trotz and has blossomed alongside whomever. The German native came over from San Jose and if he can continue to bring the goods, it may allow the Predators to forget about that Rich Peverley character.

Numbers: four games played, two goals, four assists, six points, plus-six rating.

There are some indubitable certainties in life. We live, we sleep, we die and Ilya Kovalchuk will put pucks past goalkeepers. Atlanta's franchise performer, for the time being, has gone pointless on just eight occasions owning the instincts of a sniper. His back-checking and defensive play are another story but Kovalchuk gets paid to shoot the puck.

Numbers: four games played, two goals, four assists, six points, minus-one rating.

Sick of being referred to as enigmatic, Nathan Horton's potential has floated back to him quickly as he sits even with Rick Nash in points. What a sweet relief it must be for the Florida Panthers to witness the third overall selection in 2003 playing the best hockey of his career. The press loves to hound struggling stars but Horton seems like he can do no wrong lately.

Numbers: four games played, three goals, four assists, seven points, plus-two rating.

Two Thrashers make up our back line and we'll start with Tobias Enstrom who has proven to be an influential defender. Covering the ice well, the 25-year-old is dependable in sending that first break-out pass and sneaking into the play. While he could benefit from a bigger frame, Enstrom uses his assets well defensively to shut down the opposing competition.

Numbers: four games played, five assists, five points, plus-two rating.

Rounding out our five-man unit is Pavel Kubina and he's fit in well in Atlanta. With a plus-14 rating, he leads the squad in that regard and still packs a heavy shot which goaltenders will be lucky to stop but won't be able to avoid rebounds on always. The assists will arrive in packages for the former Maple Leaf considering the Thrasher forwards that hover towards the goal.

Numbers: four games played, one goal, four assists, five points, plus-one rating.

On we go to the most important individual on any team. In a far from convincing Pittsburgh display in Buffalo yesterday, Marc-Andre Fleury kept his side in the game with vital stops, none more impressive than his stretch across robbing Clarke MacArthur. As Sabres supporters, we know all about goaltenders being the No.1 star so no hard feelings to the Penguins netminder.

Numbers: three games played, three wins, 1.33 goals against average, .951 save percentage.

Team of the Week

Center: Marcel Goc

Left Wing: Ilya Kovalchuk

Right Wing: Nathan Horton

Defenseman: Tobias Enstrom

Defenseman: Pavel Kubina

Goaltender: Marc-Andre Fleury

Our young gun spotlight goes to Patric Hornqvist for his seven-point effort in Nashville's dominance. The rookie is up to ten goals and will undoubtedly surpass 20 come April. It's not often that Shea Weber and Steve Sullivan are overshadowed by a freshman but the Swede managed to do it.

Matt Stajan had his head down and the body usually follows in those moments. Johnny Boychuk lined him up delivering a perfect open-ice check tucking the shoulder in and taking aim at the body. A little bloodied, Stajan skated off on his own and returned to finish out the match Saturday. That's our hit of the week in case you're wondering.

Drew Miller, younger brother of Ryan, has picked up the pieces in Detroit and gave the Tampa Bay Lightning something to remember him by. Knocking down a long pass out of the air, he managed to contain the puck and make a sweet move to the backhand as Mike Smith went for a poke-check. You can see it below.

Gaffe of the week is automatically handed to Vesa Toskala for his latest glove misusing. Toronto was controlling play up until that mistake which gave Buffalo the lead and really grabbed the life out of the Maple Leafs. Better luck next time Vesa if there is a next time.

Congratulations are in order for Mike Brodeur earning his first NHL win over the weekend in Ottawa. The Canadian has a huge last name to live up to if he looks to resemble the other Brodeur. One victory down, 578 to go.

Finally, a bit of recommendation for fantasy poolies. Do not drop Marc-Andre Bergeron because of Andrei Markov's early return from injury. The defenseman is planning on being used as a fourth-line forward and remaining on the powerplay alongside Markov. This was the type of role Mark Streit excelled in a few years ago before becoming a well-known blue liner.

Kovalchuk Contract Talks Intensify

The Falconer — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:42:33 -0000

More photos » by David Zalubowski - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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There has been a lot of speculation about Kovalchuk's contract situation so far this season. Most of that contract chatter is conducted in the absence of hard facts. Let's review the known facts as of yesterday.

Kovalchuk has played great hockey since being captain one year ago and embraced his leadership role.
Kovalchuk has played poor hockey (especially defensively) for the last month.
Kovalchuk's agent was at the game last night (perhaps for the first time all season).
Bruce Levenson was in Don Waddell's box last night (which has been rare this season).

Based on those known facts, I would deduce that Kovalchuk has become a bit more distracted about his contract of late. I would also deduce that Kovalchuk is not hearing exactly what he wants to hear in those talks. On the other hand, the physical appearance of both his Ilya's agent and the point man of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group suggests an intensification of talks. If either side were taking a hard line you could do that just as easily via the fax or phone, thus for me the physical presence of key players at Philips Arena suggest that there is an interest on both sides in forging an agreement. However, merely being interested may not be sufficient when you're talking about a $100 million dollar deal.

People have speculated about the intentions of both sides in this situation. The truth is that only about four people know exactly where these contracts stand at the moment and all of them have reasons to be less than honest. If you're the Atlanta Thrashers and talks are going poorly you don't want to broadcast that and hurt a team that currently sits in a playoff position. If you're Kovalchuk's agent you don't want your client to appear to be overly greedy or difficult if you anticipate negotiating with another club down the road. If talks are bogging down there are good reasons not to say so in public. On the other hand if talks were going perfectly, Ilya would have already signed on the dotted line.

My personal belief has always been that Kovalchuk with either re-sign with the Thrashers or go to the KHL. If the KHL wants to make an offer that is well in excess of the cap max there is nothing the Thrashers can do to match that. If Kovalchuk is motivated by a desire to return to his home country and become the biggest star in that league--there is little the Thrashers can do about that either.

Contrary to snipping remarks from northern journalists, I don't think Ilya is eager to play in another market where hockey is a bigger deal. He is a private person who doesn't seek out media attention and he enjoys being able to go out with his family without it becoming a public spectacle. He also is uniquely committed to making hockey successful in Atlanta.

Only Ilya Kovalchuk knows what number will get him to re-sign in Atlanta. What I do know is that the clock is ticking. Thrashers GM Don Waddell has indicated that he will not wait forever like the Florida Panthers did with Jay Bouwmeester last spring. The NHL trade deadline is March 3rd and the NHL is on the Olympic Break for the last two weeks of Februrary. If Kovalchuk has not signed by the time the Olympic Games commence, then I expect a crazy bidding war will transpire in the final days of February.

What will happen to the Thrashers team if talks drag out over the next seven weeks? Certainly it appears to be affecting Kovalchuk's play of late. The young core of the team (Kane, Bogosian, Enstrom, Little, Pavelec) might be immune to these distractions, but for veterans hoping for the Stanley Cup playoffs it could prove more troubling.

Top 10 New Jersey Devils Moments of the Decade: Part 1, Honorable Mention

Steve Lepore — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:00:18 -0000

It's been an eventful decade here in the Garden State when it comes to hockey. Two Stanley Cups, three Prince of Wales trophies, five Atlantic Division titles, seven 100-point seasons. Oh, and the Devils' goalie cemented his name in the conversations of "Greatest to ever play the game". Starting this Tuesday, I will countdown the 10 best moments since 2000, but first, a look at some of the things that didn't make the cut.

Devils Hire Larry Robinson as Head Coach... The First Time (March 23, 2000)

The Devils gave then-future Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Robinson his first shot in the coaching ranks, when former Montreal Canadiens teammate Jacques Lemaire brought him as an assistant coach when he took over the Devils in 1993. Robinson, blessed with a defensive unit that included another future Hall of Famer in Scott Stevens as well as veterans Ken Daneyko and Bruce Driver, helped bring along a budding All-Star in young Scott Niedermayer, and meshed together a defensive unit that helped New Jersey win it's first Stanley Cup in 1995.

From there, Robinson got his first head coaching job with the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of that year. After only four playoff games in the next four years, Robinson left the franchise, only to return to the Devils as an assistant for then coach Robbie Ftorek. Everything seemed to be headed in the right direction for New Jersey toward another playoff run. From December 26, 1999 to February 15, 2000, the Devils went a mind-blowing 17-3-3. But then things took a turn for the downright bizarre.

Starting with a 5-5 tie against the Colorado Avalanche on February 17th, the Devils went 5-10-2, culminating in a 5-0 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello clearly saw Ftorek as losing the team (no, the bench-throwing thing isn't on this list) and leading it toward another first-round playoff exist (the Devils had exited in Conference Quarterfinals the last two seasons). He fired Ftorek on March 23, 2000, in favor of the assistant Robinson. Larry lead the Devils to an 8-2 win over the Isles and a 4-4 record the rest of the way. However, it'd be the post-season where Robinson would prove why he was fit to run this team.

Devils Trade Brendan Morrison and Denis Pederson to Vancouver for Alexander Mogilny (March 14, 2000)

Looking for some added scoring touch to support the budding A-line of Patrik Elias, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott, Lou did what was seen as unprecedented at that time in Devils circles: he brought in a bona fide offensive talent during what you'd call arguably the prime of his career (Mogilny was 31 when acquired by New Jersey). The addition of Mogilny did something that no one previously had: He made the Devils a team you feared offensively every night.

Mogilny has also long been credited with making then-rookie centerman Scott Gomez into the player that later bolted for the Rangers, though that can be argued, as Gomez had fewer points in the full season AlMo spent with Jersey (2000-01) than in his 70-point rookie season. That said, despite a sub-par post-season in 1999-00, Mogilny put up points in that 2000-01 season that were almost unheard of previously for a New Jersey team, with 43 goals and 40 assists, second behind Elias' 96 points, giving the Devs unheard of scoring depth.

Despite chipping in 16 points in the post-season, the Devils would go on to lose the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games. Mogilny signed with Toronto that off-season, only to return for an aborted, half-season stay with New Jersey in 2005-06. He was sent to Albany to make room for Elias' return from Hepatitis, and for all intents and purposes, never heard from again. Devils fans will always remember Mogilny, however, for once and for all proving that the Devils were no mere defensive juggernaut.

Patrik Elias Signs Seven-Year Contract with Devils (July 2, 2006)

Before the lockout, Patrik Elias was well on his way to becoming the offensive version of Martin Brodeur for New Jersey: putting up terrific numbers every year, but largely being taken for granted by a fanbase that wants to win the Stanley Cup every year, rather than see another 40-goal season. The young winger from the Czech Republic had put up his third 35-goal plus season in 2003-04 (38-43-81) and was one of the few Devils that showed any life in New Jersey's five-game playoff defeat to Philadelphia (3-2-5 in the series).

It was the time during the lockout that gave everyone a scare. While having a good season Mettalurg Magnitigorsk in Russia, Elias contracted Hepatitis A from food eaten in the country. The disease, chronicled largely in an NHL Network special that primarily focused on Elias' UNICEF ambassadorship, severely weakened the then 28-year old forward and kept him out of hockey for a while.

Elias didn't return to the game until January 3, 2006, with the Devils playing the Florida Panthers. Put on a line with Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta (The "Egg" Line), Elias looked as if he hadn't missed a beat. He scored eight points in his first four games, 45 points in 38 games that season, and led the Devils to an unheard of 15-game winning streak, combining the last 11 games of the season and first four of the playoffs, to lead New Jersey to a shocking Atlantic Division title on the campaign's final night in Montreal.

Elias continued a torrid pace in the playoffs. He had two goals and four assists in Game 1 of the Devils series with the New York Rangers, and went on to score 16 points in nine games that post-season. It made people notice Elias as an elite forward in this league. It also certainly drew attention to the fact that his contract was up that summer.

There were a lot of fears in Devils-land the Patrik would sign with another team. The Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks were reported to have made serious offers. Though the real fear was that he'd sign with the Rangers. Elias alleviated those fears by agreeing to a 7-year, $42 million deal with the Devs the day after the UFA period began in 2006. He's worth every penny, and put up another 30-goal season just this past campaign. Elias will likely be a Devil for life, and hopefully never taken for granted again.

Brian Gionta Breaks the Devil Record For Goals in a Season, Devils Culminate 11-game Win Streak and Division Title With Shocking, Comeback Victory Over Montreal on the Season's Final Night (April 18, 2006)

Coupled with the 1999-00 season, the 2005-06 campaign has got to go down as one of the strangest of the decade. Head coach Larry Robinson said so himself. Robinson, re-hired by the Devils after it was announced that Pat Burns could no longer continue, had to step down after 32 games (14-13-5) when he told Lou Lamoriello at the team's annual Christmas party that the club was making him ill. Happy holidays, for sure.

More changes still were announced after a December 17, 2005 loss to Carolina. All three of the Devils major acquisitions over the off-season (Alexander Mogilny, Dan McGillis and Vladimir Malakhov) were either sent down to AHL Albany, or "retired" under mysterious circumstances. The Devils were, to put it lightly, kind of a mess. They were still figuring out how to make do with life minus Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko on the backline, so this was sort of the beginning of a "new generation" of Devils, if you will.

After Robinson quit at the halfway point, longtime GM Lou Lamoriello took over as coach. A week or so later, forward Patrik Elias returned from Hepatitis A, and the team caught fire. A nine-game winning streak to start the new year let everyone know that the Devils would not suffer in the post-lockout NHL. It was an 11-game winning streak to end the season, however, that made the Devils onto every hockey writer's shortlist for Stanley Cup contenders.

A young forward named Brian Gionta emerged as the team's top scorer that season with Elias out. A small winger, known mostly up to that point for his willingness to go to the front of the net and personal rivalry with gargantuan and polar opposite on the height scale Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, Gionta broke out in 2005-06, his style tailor made for the "New NHL". On March 28, 2006, he became the first Devil to hit 40 goals in a season since Elias and Mogilny in 2001. Going into the NHL and the Devils season's final night, he was tied with Pat Verbeek's all-time single-season goal scoring record of 46.

Now, the Devils were in Montreal that night, and could to the surprise of almost everyone, win the division title after struggling so much for the first half of the season. Everything worked out in their favor, as the Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers both lost shortly before. Two points and the Devils get the division over the Flyers (who would have the same amount of points, 101) by virtue of having more wins, as well as #3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The only problem was... well, the Devils didn't show up for the first 40 minutes of that game. The Habs had a 3-0 lead on the Devils at home with three minutes to go in the second period, and only Brodeur keeping things from getting out of hand.

Then, with 2:42 to go, Gionta scored a goal that would personify the type of player he was. A Scott Gomez shot popped high off of Montreal goaltender Cristobal Huet. Gionta gloved the puck out of the air, down onto his stick, and put the puck home to break Verbeek's record, and give the Devils hope going into the third period. Of course, neither the Devils nor Gio were done yet.

Not much was going on early in the third, but nine minutes to go, the Habs took a penalty and the Devils went on the power play. Some slick passing and a Brian Rafalski shot gave Gionta another close-in rebound and a 48th goal that season, just for some distance. All that, and the Devils were within a shot of tying it. Three minutes later, Patrik Elias scored a georgeous goal off a pass from Gomez, who'd made a brilliant rush up the eyes, to tie the game with five minutes left.

With 2:30 to go, Habs forward Alex Kovalev took a shot that Marty Brodeur kicked away, right to a Devil defender, who passed it to Jamie Langenbrunner. He raced it in on a three-on-one against the Canadiens and Huet. Langenbrunner looked over the options, called his own number and ripped a shot by Huet to give the Devils a 4-3 lead. New Jersey hung on and won the division. It was one of the best regular season nights for Jersey's team I've ever seen, and it didn't even make the top 10 list. Ill be back on Monday with part one of that. Meanwhile, leave your own thoughts in the comments and your suggestions for my Top 10.

Forbes to Panthers fans: You Suck

Whale4ever — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:58:58 -0000

Our society tends to place a high priority - or at the very least an engineered interest - in lists. Ten Best Songs, 100 Most Shocking Hollywood Crimes, 50 Funniest Movies, and so forth. I first noticed the trend's genesis around the turn of the century, when everyone from your local newspaper (remember those?) to VH1 and their horrid, shameful transformation into a televised version of Us Magazine teased our curiosity, making couch-bound voyeurs out of anyone with a remote control and a little free time.

The "list" craze continues full-force - just turn on the flatscreen at any given hour - with no sign of abating. They're admittedly fun, they poke at our past, and tend to keep our attention while forcing your brain into no further action than simply ticking over.

Forbes, "Home Page for the World's Business Leaders", has compiled what they are referring to as The NHL's Best (and worst) Fans. It's not stated which of the world's business leaders might be interested in such an exercise, but nevertheless...Sir Richard Branson will sleep more soundly after having been informed of the Minnesota Wild's fifth-"ranked" fanbase.

The Florida Panthers, perennial home of questionable trades, a history of lousy draft picks, and stuck in a market featuring endless entertainment options, have shockingly been proclaimed as possessing the NHL's worst fans.

The evidence for such a scolding?

Despite finishing last season with their second best record ever (41-30-11), the Panthers failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth straight year since the lockout. Fans didn't settle for mediocrity. The team had the worst TV ratings and second worst attendance in the league last year.

- Forbes' Christina Settimi

Quite obviously, this wasn't utilized in our defense.

Numbers can't be argued with, so a childish he said-she said cannot be employed, but as a Panthers fan, do these silly lists even bother you any longer?

To be a fan of this club is to proudly sport chainmail and moon boots: the armor protecting your fleshy areas from ignorant ridicule, the footwear for traversing endless miles of BS laid in our collective path.

Year after playoffless year, the dedicated base of several thousand continue to show up, tune in, and care. What more can be asked?

By the way: followers of the Penguins were judged to be the "best" in hockey. Wonder how they might have fared in the same list about five years ago...

Thanks to GW at Puck Daddy for the heads-up...

Matt Cullen, Patrick Dwyer Lead Hurricanes Past Panthers, 3-2

Cory Lavalette — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:42:17 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

1 day ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Patrick Dwyer, left, celebrates his goal as Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen (30) and Steve Reinprecht (27) look on during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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The Carolina Hurricanes needed a top-to-bottom effort to split their home-and-home series with the Florida Panthers. That's exactly what they got. After surging to a three-goal lead, the Canes survived a fluke goal and a 5-on-3 tally from the Panthers to hold on for a 3-2 win at the RBC Center and avenge Friday night's 6-3 loss in South Florida.

The combination of Matt Cullen and Patrick Dwyer led the way for Carolina, while Cam Ward played perhaps his best game in net since returning from injury. Cullen had a shorthanded goal and an assisted on Dwyer's second goal in as many games. But the duo — specifically Dwyer — were dangerous throughout the evening.

"We're going to work on the empty nets with him," Maurice said, referring to Dwyer's failed pass to Ray Whitney with Florida goaltender Scott Clemmensen pulled for an extra attacker late in the game. "But you're seeing what he's been doing in the American league, almost a point a game, now he's starting to get comfortable. I think you're starting to see what he's capable of doing every night. But he's certainly generating some chances."

Dwyer — playing his 11th game with the Canes this season — absorbed a board-rattling hit behind the Panthers net from Keith Ballard, scooted back to Clemmensen’s right and banged in Cullen's centering feed to open the scoring at 12:28 of the first. It was Dwyer's third career NHL goal.

Cullen would score next. After Stephane Yelle took a tripping penalty on an odd collision with Florida's Victor Oreskovich, Cullen raced past ex-Hurricane Dennis Seidenberg as he failed to hold the zone. Cullen skated down right side shorthanded on a 2-on-1, faking a pass to Dwyer and beating Clemmensen on the short side at 14:47 for an unassisted goal — his eighth tally and second shorthanded marker of the season — to make the score 2-0.

Cullen, who has played with perhaps as many linemates as any Hurricane this season, seems to have found quick chemistry with Dwyer.

"He moves well, he's got good instincts and he's got some nice hands, and now he's shown an ability to finish," Cullen said of Dwyer. "I like him as a player. He's quick and he's a fun guy to play with because he's always jumping into holes and is not afraid to shoot the puck."

Sergei Samsonov then pushed the Canes to a 3-0 lead at 8:27 of the second after converting a cross-ice feed from Tom Kostopoulos. Kostopoulos first accepted a long blueline-to-blueline pass from defenseman Jay Harrison from the opposite side of the ice, raced up the right wing and zipped the pass across to Samsanov, who notched his fifth goal of the season.

With memories of past third-period leads blown fresh in everyone's mind, Carolina had a bad bounce lead to Florida's first goal. Shawn Matthias scored at 2:17 of the third when an odd carom off the glass left goalie Cam Ward stranded behind the net. Matthias fired the puck into the wide open goal to make the score 3-1.

Then with Ray Whitney and Stephane Yelle in the box on separate hooking calls, red-hot Stephen Weiss — who was otherwise quiet all evening — made it a one-goal game at 12:39 of the third when he shot in a loose puck with the Canes scrambling while down two men.

But the Hurricanes were able to shut the door as Ward — 28 saves on 30 shots — stifled the Panthers down the stretch to give Carolina its second win in three games and third consecutive home victory.

Game Notes

Outside of looking silly courtesy the bad bounce on the Matthias goal, Ward looked like the goalie that led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. Although he wasn't tested much the first two periods, Ward made several acrobatic — a few of them stylish — stops at opportune times to keep the momentum out of Florida's hands.
Kostopoulous looked to spark Carolina early, squaring off with the Panthers' Gregory Campbell just 1:16 into the game. There were more spins and twirls than landed punches, but the message was delivered that the Canes were prepared to avenge their loss Friday night.
Whitney was credited with the secondary assist on Dwyer's goal, his 300th point as a Cane.
Dwyer tied Eric Staal with a team-high four shots, while Tuomo Ruutu was credited six hits.
The Carolina defense played one of its best games of the season. Aaron Ward had a particularly good outing, going plus-2 and blocking a key shot when Ward was hung out to dry.
Tim Gleason and Niclas Wallin were healthy scratches again, but Albany call-ups Bryan Rodney, Brett Carson and Harrison all played well. Joni Pitkanen had the hit of the night, flattening Florida's Radek Dvorak. Andrew Alberts led all blueliners with four hits.

Revenge On Their Minds: Hurricanes Host Panthers For Back End Of Home-And-Home

Cory Lavalette — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:00:25 -0000

by Lynne Sladky - AP

2 days ago: Florida Panthers center Stephen Weiss (9) is pursued by Carolina Hurricanes left wing Ray Whitney (13) in the third period during an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. The Panthers won 6-3. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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The Carolina Hurricanes’ nightmare season continued Friday night with a 6-3 loss in South Florida to the Panthers. The good news? The Canes get another crack at their Southeast Division foes tonight at the RBC Center when both teams come to Raleigh to wrap up an old-fashinioned home-and-home series.

The team Florida faced Friday night could look different from the one iced this evening, as Tim Gleason and Niclas Wallin may return to the Carolina blueline. Coach Paul Maurice shuffled his lines some in the loss, so there's no telling yet what the forward lines will look like, but expect the same 12 to dress as last night.

Scott Clemmensen will likely start in goal for the Panthers, while Carolina may look to Cam Ward, who was pulled in favor of Manny Legace after the Panthers’ fifth goal early in the third period.

There's not much more to say about two teams that played last night. Florida right wing Radek Dvorak was an impressive plus-5 last night, getting a goal and two assists to lead the Panthers. The Canes, on the other hand, got some offense from some unexpected contributors in the loss. Patrick Dwyer got his second career NHL goal and first of the season, while Andrew Alberts added two assists and fourth-liner Scott Walker got his second goal of the season.

Eric Staal also got his second goal in as many games and third in four outings — he now has 14 points in 11 games since returning from injury — but he and linemates Ray Whitney and Tuomo Ruutu were all minus-3 on the night.

Carolina will need top-to-bottom effort to avoid losing their fifth game in six outings.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. at the RBC Center and the game will be broadcast by FS-Carolinas and 99.9 The Fan. We'll update the status of Gleason and Wallin, plus who will be in net, as we find out.

Cats Maul Canes, 6-3

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:15:24 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

2 days ago: The puck gets past Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward, right, on a goal scored by Florida Panthers defenseman Bryan McCabe, not shown, in the second period during an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. At left is Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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The Florida Panthers scored six consecutive goals while jumping out to a 6-1 lead and embarrassed the Carolina Hurricanes last night at Sunrise, Florida by a final score of 6-3. The Canes chipped in two goals after the game was out of reach to make things look somewhat respectable, but for all intents and purposes, the game was over when the Panthers chased Carolina goalie Cam Ward with the score 5-1 early in the third period.

After an evenly played first period, the Carolina goalie and the defense looked very deficient at times in the second and third periods. The Panthers seemed to score almost at will, lighting the lamp at 6:29, 9:25, and 11:05 in the second. All three goals were scored by defensemen, (Leopold, McCabe, and Ballard).

In the third, the home team scored two goals within 37 seconds, an all too familiar trademark of this season's Carolina squad. After Cam Ward was pulled, the Panthers would score yet again, this time on a shorthanded chance by Dominic Moore.

Looking for positives? The Canes continued to play like the worst team in the league, something which should guarantee them a highly rated draft pick this summer. But it's tough for fans to watch a performance like that one.

Patrick Dwyer started the game's scoring with a very nice shot off of a sweet pass by Bryan Rodney. But the 1-0 lead was very short term. Just 1:02 later, Florida began their scoring barrage. By the time it was eight minutes into the third period, the score was 6-1 and the Florida faithful were celebrating the win.

Scott Walker surprised Tomas Vokoun and got a puck by him on a rush and Eric Staal put back a rebound to complete the scoring.

The Canes put their pride on the line as they face this team again on Saturday night, this time in Raleigh. Cory will be covering the game for us and will be reporting from the RBC.

Game Notes:

Carolina had 35 shots on goal led by Joni Pitkanen and Eric Staal with six each.
Pitkanen again played over 30 minutes, (30:30). When it is an overtime game, that total is somewhat understandable. But that is a lot of minutes to play in a regulation game. He did look a bit tired.
The team was credited with 25 hits led by Tuomo Ruutu with five. Andrew Alberts and Scott Walker had four each.
The Canes had a total of five blocked shots. Dennis Seidenberg led Florida with four as the home team combined for 13.
Eric Staal extended his scoring streak to four games with his goal, but finished with a -3.

Panthers double Hurricanes 6-3 in Sunrise

Whale4ever — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:27:25 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

2 days ago: The puck gets past Carolina Hurricanes goalie Manny Legace (34) on a goal scored by Florida Panthers center Dominic Moore, right, in the third period during an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Dec. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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Good stuff team-wide as the Cats, clinging to a 6-3 lead (and followers of this club know the drill) closed the door in a home game to climb above .500, taking the Hurricanes by a final of 6-3.

Radek Dvorak (+5!) and Rostislav Olesz finished with three points each, followed by Dominic Moore's two-pointer. Tomas Vokoun - rattled in the third frame but keeping focus to the end - ended the night with 32 saves on 35 shots. Ten Panthers skaters gained at least one point. Behold the sweet stuff...

Solid work team-wide as the Cats, clinging to a 6-3 lead (and followers of this club know the drill) closed the door in a home game to climb above .500, taking the Hurricanes by a final of 6-3.

Carolina went the Paul Maurice route - in the third - but found far too much mountain to climb. Any Cats fan who wasn't a little nervous when the Canes scored their second goal wled (by far) as either without cellphone service or lying to you. Scott Walker and Eric Staal tamed a ridiculous lead, scaring the tar out of Panthers fans late, but never quite mustering the killer offense needed to overcome the deficit.

Staal and defenseman Joni Pitkanen each had six shots on goal. Staal, Sergei Samsonov, and Tuomo Ruutu were each a minus-3. Manny Legace - in relief of Cam Ward - stopped 1 of 2 shots. Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton both collected an assist to continue their hot streaks. Ex-Hurricane Dennis Seidenberg led (by far) both clubs with 27:42 TOI. Bryan McCabe (2g, 2a) has a 4-game point streak.

This was so much fun, let's do it again Saturday. Live Blog hits at 6pm.