Off-Week Updates

It's been awhile since the Panthers last game, a solid 8-4 win over Atlanta, and there are still a couple days left until the Panthers take to the ice again, Friday night against the Flyers. News has been light coming out of South Florida, but there are a few things worth mentioning.

Ville Peltonen took a shot to the foot in Saturday's game that actually cracked the bone. Pelts didn't seem to notice, he played through it and even managed a decent game (if you call a 2 goal game decent). A broken foot cost Ville 24 games last season, think he's worried about that happening again? From floridapanthers.com; "I think this one is different," he said. "It’s a different bone than last year. I haven’t skated since (Saturday) but I think it will feel better in the (skate). I think I’ll be out skating sooner rather than later." Way to walk it off...

It's never too early to start scoreboard watching, and with the Panthers sitting and waiting for so long, one might worry other teams take this opportunity to pull away slightly. Teams in question include Carolina, Buffalo (both 1 point ahead of the Cats in 7th and 8th place), New Jersey (now 7 points ahead in 6th), and Pittsburgh (tied with Florida in 9th). Tonight, Pittsburgh takes on Washington (Crosby vs. Ovie is always fun to watch, regardless of standings), while Buffalo visits surging Chicago. Tomorrow night, Carolina hosts slumping Toronto, while Buffalo plays for the 2nd consecutive night, going south to Dallas.

Defenseman Cory Murphy was recalled from Rochester, and promptly put on waivers, which he cleared. With the Panthers' defense healing up and playing well, it's hard to imagine where Murphy might fit in, so he could be headed right back to Rochester.

A fun watch, if you have a few minutes, is the Panthers recent charity golf outing. Let's just say that it's a good thing these guys can hit a puck farther then they can hit a ball, some good entertainment on Growl TV.

Until Friday...