I have often felt bad not being an “insider” and able to provide “breaking” news and insight on here for our Panthers community. While I’m trying to build something in that arena, I feel it necessary to apologize to folks who are looking for more content along those lines and aren’t seeing it yet.
The information super-highway is a beast that never sleeps. It draws news/information in through every one of its pores and seamlessly radiates said information out to the masses in one continuously fluid process. Things move so fast with social media, etc., that most folks seem to already know about any kind of team news within minutes.
Since we all have so many means of obtaining “the goods,” this Panthers blog space then becomes a virtual coffee shop - one where we can come and discuss the latest regarding the hockey world, but, more importantly, the Florida Panthers.
With that in mind, the season start is right around the corner and these past two weeks have had no shortage of Panthers news.
So let’s get started!
Season’s Start Pushed Back
It makes sense to begin with arguably the biggest news right now: The Panthers first two games of the season will be postponed to a later date due to a number of Dallas Stars players and staff testing positive for the Coronavirus.
This means the Cats will open their season against the Blackhawks in a two-game series Jan. 17 and 19 - as opposed to their original opener that was schedule for Jan. 14 against Dallas.
It’s a bummer to have to push the start back a few days, but it doesn’t really come as a surprise since the league needs to be very careful when handling these COVID cases. In fact, Bob, Hornqvist, Lammikko and Nutivarra have not hit the ice for training camp due to a status of “unfit to play,” which is verbiage the NHL is using during these COVID-19 days.
It seems kind of like a new blanket statement, similar to the “upper body,” “lower body” terminology we have known for years. According to NHL guidlelines, teams will not comment as to whether a player is out due to COVID or is in the process of contact tracing. However, this will change when the season starts because the league will announce when a player tests positive. Fingers crossed things stay under control...
Mid-Week Scrimmage
I tuned in and caught the first, second and part of the third period of the Red vs. White scrimmage that took place earlier this week.
Even though it was a scrimmage to knock some rust off (and there was rust) that resulted in an 8-1 Team Red victory, it was nice to see these guys out there again moving around.
It’s great that guys like Tippett and some of the new signings got on the scoresheet, but I honestly didn’t have too many takeaways. Aside from a very weak defensive effort from Team White, there were two things did staoodout to me:
1. I can see why Vito believes Ryan Lomberg will become a fan favorite. Everyone loves a hard-working guy and he looks like he’s just that. I was impressed by his hustle and forechecking. I also loved his tenacity, willingness to go to the boards/corners and (surprisingly) his speed. The lettuce is also a nice tough.
2. Monty looked really strong to me. He played a good positioning game and had a lot of confidence.
If you’re looking for a recap of all the goals, head to Litter Box Cats where they have each goal posted via Jameson Olive. Some nice setups and redirects in the lot - encouraging to see.
Also, Q said don’t be surprised to see another scrimmage due to the season start being pushed back.
Some Exit, One Enters
Scott Darling has been released from his PTO. I’m guessing this is probably the result of the Checkers opting out of the AHL season and that’s where Darling would have most likely landed. Honestly, this could be it for the guy.
Or, if you’re a conspiracy theory person...could the Panthers have did a solid and released Darling so that he can have a PTO with the Devils? The timing is awfully close with Crawford announcing his retirement today...
Haha. I’m just messing. Maybe New Jersey gives Wedgewood a shot? Though I think they still want a veteran there to mentor Blackwood. Raanta is the latest rumor I saw.
Back to the Panthers. They also announced the thinning of the camp roster and the following players are expected to join the Syracuse Crunch (sorry for all the Noel fans):
- Henry Bowlby (F)
- Serron Noel (F)
- Jake Massie (D)
- John Ludvig (D)
- Max Gildon (D)
For those trying to keep track, here’s what the current camp looks like:
I remember Forsling with the Blackhawks. Back then he was pretty highly-touted by Hawks brass. Sort of your standard smallish, puck-moving defenseman. He always seemed kind of “light” to me in terms of not very physical and would fall victim to the mistakes young guys tend to make - turning the puck over, etc.
Kind of surprised by this one, but at only 24 and having played 122 NHL games thus far, he could be a nice low-risk depth guy for the backend.
He spent last season (ironically) with the Checkers where he producing 26 points (8-18-26) in 56 games.
Practice Notes
I have to give it up to the organ-I-zation on this one. They’re doing a great job of building excitement with their camp videos/articles.
If you haven’t been keeping up, I have provided the videos and article links below. I find both the installments to be really cool and provide some great insight (especially the articles).
Have a great rest of your weekend, guys, and while we’ll have to keep the cold ones on ice just a little bit longer, it will be worth it...Go Panthers!
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