Is this the night when Simon Gagne finally gets a goal?

Given the Florida Panthers aren't exactly world beaters right now, this might be the perfect spot for Gagne to get one.

I asked him about what Rod Brind'Amour used to say. When you are in a slump, go to the sweet part of the ice where you usually score and start taking shots. Gagne has been doing just that this week here in Fort Lauderdale.

“Yeah, you know, my thing is, when I know I am having a hard time scoring, I look to shoot the puck more,” Gagne said. “When you get goals once in a while, you look to make plays. When it’s been a while, you get a chance to shoot and you shoot as quick as you can. Try to hit the net.”

There is a school of thought here that all the week off from games, coupled with the team bonding and R &R here on the beach, may help loosen up Gagne. He doesn't deny it.

If his shot doesn't hit the post against Anaheim, there would not have been a shootout and Teemu Selanne would not have been the hero last Saturday. Gagne feels his chances are there.

I think he needs to get more involved in the heavily-trafficked areas where goalscorers score goals.

For more on this, go to CSNPhilly.com ...

James van Riemsdyk is back in the lineup tonight feeling good with no concussion symptoms. He's had more than the suggested time off for a slight concussion. He will play on Mika Pyorala's line with Arron Asham.

One change on defense. Danny Syvret is back in and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen is out.

Flyers have looked pretty sharp in practice. I expect them to get some goals in this game. Florida has scored just 10 overall. Only Nashville and the Islanders have scored less.

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