Official 2011-2012 Florida Panthers Team Thread

[Doug]

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/story/1...e-to-returning

[Doug]

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...-the-standings

[everblades2]

Originally Posted by Doug

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...-the-standings

Well, somebody doesn't like the Panthers. That guy doesn't even know what he's talking about. So just because Boston got blown out last night that automatically defines them as a mediocre team? Give me a break...

Also, don't look now, but the Panthers are 4 points from taking the second seed from Boston and the Northeast division. I don't know why this guy is all negative just because the Panthers are close to making the playoffs in over ten years, but his argument isn't that strong. I also thought it was funny how he said that the 08-09 team is so much better than this season. Well, if you look at the games remaining, which is 13, the Panthers can still end up with 93 points, which is what the 08-09 team had. All they have to do is win about 7 games out of the remaining 13, which is a little over .500.

I just want to go to some playoff games this season. That's all I'm asking for and it shows how nicely Tallon has turned the team around. They will only get better from here.

[Doug]

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...g-game-on-road

[everblades2]

I went to the game last night and have to say that is was the most fun I've ever had at a Panthers game. It was amazing finally playing meaningful hockey in April and you could feel the playoff buzz in the building, especially after Kopecky tied it up in the dying minutes. I still can't believe we lost, but the team has to bounce back and go into Washington with a grudge. The odds of making the playoffs are highly in our favor and 1 point in Washington or against Carolina would seal the Southeast division for the Cats.

[Doug]

At least they finally made the playoffs after 11 years.

[everblades2]

I've waited a loooong time to see a Panthers playoff game and am really happy they're in! The goal at the beginning of the season was to make the playoffs and that goal has been achieved. If we win the division tomorrow night, that would just be icing on the cake.

Dineen, Tallon, and all the management personal have done a tremendous job turning the franchise around. This season has been a success and the future is definitely bright. I'm just looking forward to finally seeing some playoff hockey in Sunrise!

[Doug]

I watched the game lastnight against Carolina and the Panthers are now the Southeast Division champs.

[everblades2]

It's sweet we can finally add a new banner to the rafters. Looking at that old '96 banner was just depressing. But, winning the Southeast was definitely a surprise. If you told me at the beginning of the year that the Panthers would win the division, I would really be having some doubts.

Props to Tallon on the offseason moves and Dineen for putting a good product on the ice. It's awesome to be back in the playoffs and hopefully we will see a first round Panthers win.

[Doug]

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...itics-in-video

[everblades2]

Originally Posted by Doug

http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/blog/ey...itics-in-video

They showed this at the arena during Saturday's game. It's a pretty cool video. The Cats don't get any respect though!

[Hagstrom]

I picked a couple Panthers in my play off pool, how do you think you guys will do against the Devils?

[Doug]

Originally Posted by Hagstrom

I picked a couple Panthers in my play off pool, how do you think you guys will do against the Devils?

Most are picking the Devils to win. But I don't think it will be that easy for New Jersey.

The Panthers will give them a good series.

[everblades2]

Originally Posted by Hagstrom

I picked a couple Panthers in my play off pool, how do you think you guys will do against the Devils?

Well, we get pretty much 0 respect, but I think the series can go either way. It's going to be a pretty tight series and I'm hoping the Cats pull it off.

[Doug]

I watched the game and New Jersey dominated the first period.