Matt Ross: Ekblad Update, Cats vs Wings

Right hand D will be a premium add! But you need 2! A 1st pair guy and a depth piece. Could also use a scoring winger as well. To do it you will need to get rid of either Connelly's or Stralman's cap hit. You might also have to trade Spencer Knight to accomplish all that. Does your owner have the stomach to go all in???

Right hand D will be a premium add! But you need 2! A 1st pair guy and a depth piece. Could also use a scoring winger as well. To do it you will need to get rid of either Connelly's or Stralman's cap hit. You might also have to trade Spencer Knight to accomplish all that. Does your owner have the stomach to go all in???
- HenryHockey

They aren’t moving Spencer Knight for some rentals.

I guess the one positive out of this is that it was before tdl. Not much worse than something like this the game after tdl

They arent moving Knight. If anything they move Driedger and bring up Monty. They still have a great nucleus just maybe a few pieces to add to the mix.

Morning Cats Fans!

A lot to think about with the TDL. I agree with Henry that two defensemen are needed for the playoffs.

I can’t see them moving Knight. I think the more likely scenario was what Gudbransonfan said, move Driedger and call Monty back up - then ride Bob in the playoffs (if they get in).


This team/year has a legit chance to have a deep playoff run. Obviously they took a big loss on Sunday, but maybe it’s still the time the time to go all in? They can’t do another first round exit if they get in.

I’m expecting Zito to get some pieces at the TDL to bolster this lineup.

Really curious to see what develops...

The Panthers are doing good things this year. But I don't think this is the year. Instead, this is the year to build playoff-winning experience, winning culture, cement the harder-to-play-against attitude and structures. This is the year to establish the Panthers as a regular playoff team, not just a lucky playoff appearance. This is the year that leads to next year--regular divisions, regular playoffs, and the year to go all in.

I don't see Zito overpaying or going all in on this year; but he is likely to make some moves to plug holes without disrupting the spirit and chemistry that are developing and solidifying this year.

Barkov and Hornqvist are expected back sometime, hopefully soon. Ekblad's injury is a real blow. In an odd way, Ekblad may generate something larger for the players to play for while simultaneously reducing the pressure and expectations this year. The win over Dallas in the last game proves they're not going to fall apart due to adversity. Detroit gives them a chance to get the lines right and build some more confidence and momentum.

Go Panthers!

The Panthers are doing good things this year. But I don't think this is the year. Instead, this is the year to build playoff-winning experience, winning culture, cement the harder-to-play-against attitude and structures. This is the year to establish the Panthers as a regular playoff team, not just a lucky playoff appearance. This is the year that leads to next year--regular divisions, regular playoffs, and the year to go all in.

I don't see Zito overpaying or going all in on this year; but he is likely to make some moves to plug holes without disrupting the spirit and chemistry that are developing and solidifying this year.

Barkov and Hornqvist are expected back sometime, hopefully soon. Ekblad's injury is a real blow. In an odd way, Ekblad may generate something larger for the players to play for while simultaneously reducing the pressure and expectations this year. The win over Dallas in the last game proves they're not going to fall apart due to adversity. Detroit gives them a chance to get the lines right and build some more confidence and momentum.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

My mind went there as well, Jimbo. I’m with you, but I also think that it’s important these guys have a deep run. Too many years of just missing or being bounced in the first round.

Having a successful playoff run will certainly reinforce this is a different team and organization. Otherwise, if they miss or lose in round one - despite being a better (tougher team) during the regular season - it’s the same old results.

I’m eager to see what Zito does with the given situation. We know that anything can happen once you get into the playoffs (if you can reach them).

I feel for Ekblad. What a terrible injury. Hope he recovers well!


As for trades, your goalie is up for grabs? Dermott + Hutchinson + 2nd round pick

Ekblad can't be replaced. But why not try to get Tony D from the Rangers by giving them Stralman ($1M retained) and a pick? And then give a 2nd for Savard for some toughness?

Gostisbehere is bait. I hope zito doesnt bite. A florida boy on waivers the day after ekblad is folded up. Dont do it zito. He is not what we need

Gostisbehere is bait. I hope zito doesnt bite. A florida boy on waivers the day after ekblad is folded up. Dont do it zito. He is not what we need
- Shynes57

Lol, Good call as to the timing of him being waived.

My mind went there as well, Jimbo. I’m with you, but I also think that it’s important these guys have a deep run. Too many years of just missing or being bounced in the first round.

Having a successful playoff run will certainly reinforce this is a different team and organization. Otherwise, if they miss or lose in round one - despite being a better (tougher team) during the regular season - it’s the same old results.

I’m eager to see what Zito does with the given situation. We know that anything can happen once you get into the playoffs (if you can reach them).
- Matt Ross

Idk, same old results around here, to me, is more like being done by Thanksgiving, or making a frantic awesome late push all the way to ninth place. Playoffs appearances have been few and too far between. They have to continue on the path of building a perennial playoff team, while becoming a real Cup contender over the next few years. I don’t want to see them damage that goal with “crazy” all in moves now.

Tippett getting a chance on PP1 tonight. Forsling playing D w/Weegar, Weegar will be playing on the right side. It’s Bob’s show tonight.

#FlaPanthers morning skate lines and pairings:
Verhaeghe - Acciari - Duclair
Huberdeau - Wennberg - Connolly
Vatrano - Lammikko - Tippett
Lomberg - Luostarinen - Marchment
Forsling - Weegar
Yandle - Gudas
Stillman - Stralman
Connauton - Nutivaara

Go Panthers!

I feel for Ekblad. What a terrible injury. Hope he recovers well!


As for trades, your goalie is up for grabs? Dermott + Hutchinson + 2nd round pick
- Aaron_85

Think they need two solid goalies even more now. I hope they don’t even consider it

Good start for the boys keep er up

Huberdeau is good( not great) but he’s gotta stop the figure skating ballerina nonsense

Yes i noticed that too hes done that a ton tonight. And also nutivara is not going to get a lot of playing time with idiotic penalties like that 10 second hold he did in the 2nd period

Boy oh boy this forced new look powerplay leaves a lot to be desired....

Good win tonight. Bob was spectacular. Huby and Verhaeghe look like they're stepping up to carry things on their back. Except for power play, whole team was solid tonight.


Bummer about Duclair. I hope he's back soon.

Good win tonight. Bob was spectacular. Huby and Verhaeghe look like they're stepping up to carry things on their back. Except for power play, whole team was solid tonight.


Bummer about Duclair. I hope he's back soon.
- JimboCoppertone

They’re saying 7-10 days for Duclair, which seems rather amazing after seeing him go full speed into the boards that way. It looked like he pulverized his shoulder. Bob’s been on a really good roll, he was stellar tonight. I thought Verhaeghe was going to do well in FL....but I never imagined he’d be making such a big impact. The power play having 3 new guys out there hopefully doesn’t take long before they start to produce.

They’re saying 7-10 days for Duclair, which seems rather amazing after seeing him go full speed into the boards that way. It looked like he pulverized his shoulder. Bob’s been on a really good roll, he was stellar tonight. I thought Verhaeghe was going to do well in FL....but I never imagined he’d be making such a big impact. The power play having 3 new guys out there hopefully doesn’t take long before they start to produce.
- Ratsreign

Of course, 3 new guys on the power play is an issue. But the bigger issue is the 1 guy still there, Yandle. Yesterday was another clinic in lack of urgency, weak back passes, poor forward passes, poor zone entry, puck panic, and turnovers. He gave up a couple of breakaways on one power play; thankfully Bob was there to shut the door. Earlier in the season, those might have turned into shorty goals.

Of course, 3 new guys on the power play is an issue. But the bigger issue is the 1 guy still there, Yandle. Yesterday was another clinic in lack of urgency, weak back passes, poor forward passes, poor zone entry, puck panic, and turnovers. He gave up a couple of breakaways on one power play; thankfully Bob was there to shut the door. Earlier in the season, those might have turned into shorty goals.

- JimboCoppertone

Yeah, Yandle pisses me off with the poor decisions he too often makes.