The Panthers have a new player on the roster. A player that had serious concussion and injury issues with his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. The issues were serious enough to where the Avs did not give him a qualifying offer at the end of last season, making him a free agent.

Peter Mueller was looking for a new home. A new life. A new opportunity to prove that not only did he belong in this league, but that he could live up to his 8th overall selection by the Coyotes during the 2006 NHL Draft. Getting over his injury woes were just as important, and if this young season is any indication of what is to come, GM Dale Tallon has hit another home run in free agency(sans Scottie Upshall).

On July 11th, 2012, Tallon signed Mueller to a 1-year, $1.725 million contract. While the Panthers have done well to improve their depth at center over the last few years, a skilled, full-of-potential forward like Mueller was too good to pass up, especially at that price tag.

Mueller scored the game-tying goal in the 4-3 win against Buffalo Sunday. For the first time in his career he has scored in four consecutive games. The Panthers were down 3-1 going into the 3rd period, but the suddenly never-say-die Panthers are back to the old ways of last year, just plugging away and wearing the opposition down.

The Sabres were on a back to back, getting creamed in Montreal last night 6-1. Those tired legs helped the Panthers take over the game, who have now scored 8 third period goals over the last two games. Chemistry and continuity are growing as Stephen Weiss was welcomed back to the lineup after being out for four games with a groin injury.

Head coach Kevin Dineen was under no illusion that Thursday night's 6-3 win against Winnipeg was something to get overly excited about. It was one game. The Panthers were/are still in a big hole. But today's effort, on the road, against a quality opponent, had to make he and Tallon feel a WHOLE LOT better heading to Winnipeg Tuesday.

The team was staying an extra day in Buffalo to watch the Super Bowl and then practice Monday morning before flying out to the Peg. Because of the congested schedule getting the season together the team really hasn't had a lot of time to bond and just hang out. That will serve the squad well as gelling off the ice can only help the product on the ice.

While there is still much work to do, the Cats are finally awake. The panic button was almost fully pressed last week, but Panther Nation can breathe a little easier as each facet of the team's game is getting a little better. A little tighter. A little smarter. MOST importantly the team is getting a little healthier.

The Jets will be out for revenge Tuesday, and if Dustin Byfuglien returns from injury it will be an especially tough game for Florida. But the momentum has shifted, and the Cats are feeling good about themselves. Another win or two on this road trip and they're back in the postseason mix again.

Dan Spiegel...
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