Panthers Pounce Lightning for 2nd Win

October 17, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

The Florida Panthers secured their second victory of the season by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Saturday night. Panthers' Goaltender Jose Theodore shined as he made 28 saves and denied three Lightning players during the shootout.

Let’s not forget about Jovo, who scored the opening goal of the gas and his for Florida in 13 years. Kris Versteeg chalked Florida's next goal during a power play with 2:55 left in regulation, which gave the Cats a 2-1 lead. But it didn’t take long for Tampa’s Marc-Andre Bergeron to tie it up 39 seconds later.

Marcel Goc came through for the Panthers by scoring the lone goal of the shootout to clinch the win for Florida. The Cats head to Tampa for a rematch tonight at 7:30 PM. The Lightning will seek revenge at home while the Panthers look to build on their success.

The Cat Fight Begins

October 11, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

There is a win in South Florida! Yup…that’s right, a win! And it didn’t come from the Miami Hurricanes or the Miami Dolphins, who was on their bye week, this weekend.

The Florida Panthers shut out the Islanders 2-0. Stephen Weiss and Jason Garrison each scored and Goaltender, Jose Theodore made 27 saves for Kevin Dineen’s first win as the Panthers head coach.

With the Cats winning their first game, We See Red is becoming a household name. The Panther’s president and CEO, Michael Yormark took to twitter before the game on Saturday stating:

@PantherYormark At the bankatlantic center and standing in the bowl. It’s a sea of red with red seats, red scoreboard, and 3 rings of digital signage.

Although the Panthers don’t play at home until October 15, fans await to see the revamped rink. But first the Cats head to Pittsburgh to face off with the Penguins tonight.

Last Cats Standing?

October 7, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

The Florida Marlins finished out of the playoffs, it’s hard to believe the Miami Dolphins will reach the playoffs and the Miami Heat may be locked out of the playoffs.

It seems that the only team left to cheer for in South Florida is the Florida Panthers. But that will be a tough task for fans as the Cats haven’t made the playoffs in about a decade.

Even with star players like Steven Weiss and David Booth, the Panthers were 30-40 last season. Head Coach Peter DeBoer was fired in April after three seasons with the Panthers. DeBoer was given last season to redeem himself but finished last in the East and 3rd worst overall. The signs were clear: It was time for him to hit the bench.

Enter former NHL Man-of-the-Year winner Kevin Dineen, who becomes Florida's new head coach. If his credentials talk for themselves, then we will see a revamped and reenergized Panthers team this season.

The Panthers enter 2011 donning a new slogan: We See Red. It symbolizes the desire to turn things around in South Florida and thrive for contention once again. The slogan has been backed up by a bevy of offseason moves, such as the signing of defenseman Ed Jovanovski (4-year, $16.5 million deal). Jovo, as he is known, is a former 1st round draft pick by Florida and a key player in the Panther’s 1996 Stanley Cup playoff run. The Cats hope he can ignite the same flame that burned during the glory years of Panthers hockey.

The Panthers start the 2011-12 season on Saturday, October 8th in New York to face off with the Islanders.

Fins Lose Again, Add Insult to Injury

October 5, 2011
Written by Julia Chongarlides

The Dolphins continue their winless streak. They’re 0-4 for the season, and Coach Tony Sparano is still the head coach, for now. Miami will have extra time to practice and reflect upon their early season woes as they enter their bye week; they clearly need it.

After Sunday’s loss to the San Diego Chargers, Reggie Bush didn’t fly out with the team. Instead, he stayed to party. Pictures were seen all over the Internet. But maybe that’s what he needed, a couple drinks to let loose. Bush was restricted to 13 carries for 50 yards on Sunday.

QB Chad Henne is out with a shoulder injury so the Dolphins are trying out quarterbacks Trent Edwards and Brodie Croyle. Some sources claim that Henne will miss the remainder of the season. Matt Moore replaced Henne in the 26-16 loss to the San Diego Chargers. Moore completed 17-of-26 passes and threw for 167 yards. Both QBs coughed up an interception. The search is on for a QB that’ll help bring this team to the other side, the winning side. But who knows if such a QB is available right now.

The Dolphins will be back on the road next week on October 17th for a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. Kick off starts at 8:30 PM.