Game Night!

Post-Trade deadline edition; Now that the chaos that is trade day has passed, we know that Jay Bouwmeester will be a Panther for the rest of the season. I have mixed feelings about that, but in the end, I think I'm leaning towards happy. It'll be great for our postseason chances, but long term, you have to wonder what will happen.

Anyways, the Panthers actually play some hockey on the ice tonight, and it's a big one. The 8th seed Pittsburgh Penguins come to town, as Florida returns home after their tough 5-game road trip. Some new faces should be on the ice for Pittsburgh. Veteran over-the-hiller Bill Guerin was acquired by the Pens yesterday, along with forward Craig Adams from Chicago. Pittsburgh is hoping Guerin and Adams can add some toughness to their lineup, something that's been lacking this season.

Standings-wise, tonight's game is another crucial contest as far as the playoff race is concerned. Here's what we're looking at...

5. Montreal Canadians 75 points
6. Florida Panthers 74
7. New York Rangers 72
8. Pittsburgh Penguins 72
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9. Buffalo Sabres 71
10. Carolina Hurricanes 71

Tonight, the Panthers and Penguins meet. Only the Rangers are in action as well, playing the Islanders, so the Panthers have a chance to jump Montreal, or end up tied with the Penguins. Pittsburgh is hoping Sydney Crosby returns from a groin injury that's kept him out the previous 4 games (which Pitt has won). The Panthers are hoping for David Booth to come back from an upper body injury he sustained in Washington on Sunday. Let's pack the BAC tonight and welcome back Jay Bo. Should be a good one. Puck drops at 7:30.