Quick Hits

A few quick thoughts before tomorrow night's showdown with the New Jersey Devils;

-I missed the game against Washington, so I didn't have any immediate post-game thoughts. From the numbers, it looks like it was a tight game, close til the end. Good showing from the Panthers, but they still haven't proven they can handle the top teams. That Ovechkin kid might have a future in the NHL...

-Despite the loss, Florida lost virtually no ground in the playoff race. Buffalo lost to Carolina, keeping them in a tie with the Cats in 7th\8th place. The Rangers continue to hit the tank. They have lost twice in consecutive days and stay just 2 points ahead of the Panthers. One can only assume that they are trying to get Tom Renney fired at this point...

-Panthers are slowly, quietly starting to get national attention. In the latest Sports Illustrated, the Cats were given these kudos; "Two reasons the Panthers are so enjoyable to watch: 1)coach Pete DeBoer's high-octane attack fluidly incorporates star defensemen Jay Bouwmeester, and 2) the underrated energy line of Gregory Campbell, Rade Dvorak, and Ville Peltonen. That threesome scores big goals, shuts down top lines and often changes a game's momentum..." Welcome to the party, SI!

-Jay Bouwmeester is still a Florida Panther, although it's beginning to look like that might not be the case for too much longer... Talks are heating up, teams are starting to put deals together, and GM Jacques Martin is listening to offers. Stay tuned for a full Jay Bouwmeester article coming soon.

-The high-flying, division leading Devils come to town tomorrow. Full report and the usual coming in the morning. Until then...