...in a dream I had last night. Perhaps it is strange that I was dreaming, well in this case having a nightmare, about the Panthers. Back in 2006 when Tallon was GM of the Blackhawks he fired Trent Yawney after a dismal start to a season in which Chicago began its rebuild.

When Tallon arrived in Florida in after the 2011 season he fired coach Peter DeBoer in favor of Kevin Dineen to move in a different direction. After the major roster overhaul and new head coach were brought on board Tallon looked like a genius as the Panthers won their first division title in franchise history and first playoff berth in 12 seasons.

After the NHL lockout threw everyone's schedule, mindset, and strategies out of whack, each team is carefully monitoring the situations not only on their team's performance, but how teams are handling their personnel in a sprint of a season.

But why was I dreaming about Dineen's status in this organization? I absolutely love the guy. He's great with the media, he's a player's coach, and has been through the wars of the NHL as a player for a long time. Maybe the precedent that Tallon has set in the past of getting rid of anything that isn't working is the source. Maybe another past Tallon move is underlying in all of this.

Florida Panthers media has a nice mix of characters. Some are fans of the team. Some are just doing their jobs. Some look as if covering hockey is a chore. But whatever is brought to the table by each individual, the collective shock was palpable last year as we sat in a board room and listened to Tallon explain why he traded fan-favorite, David Booth.

Personally, I have been a diehard fan of the Panthers since their inception, and over time became blessed to cover the team as media. So for me, the Booth trade was a moment that said Tallon will not put up with any underperformers. If there is a deal to be had to jettison the baggage it will be done(see Rostislav Olesz). That single deal set the tone for what is possible.

This season is rare because of its length, as well as the short amount of time teams had to prepare for its beginning. Injuries, brutal travel schedules, and getting in game shape have put a drag on many teams and players from playing to their potential. Statistically there will probably be more movement in the standings this season than most 82-game seasons, so teams comfortably in the playoffs now could be on the outside looking in come April, and vice versa.

The Panthers have been no stranger to the injury bug, and their 4-6-2 record is about right for how they've played. That record, mind you, includes the recent 2-1-1 road trip, which had Panther fans thinking the momentum was finally starting to go in the right direction.

But to lose last night to Washington was a glimpse into the past that got people fired or traded. The Panthers had a two goal lead with just over five minutes left and choked the lead away and then quickly lost in overtime. Yes they got a valuable point. Yippee. But after getting smoked by the Caps 5-0 just three days prior, this loss was especially painful. Divisional games this season hold even more weight, and they just gave the struggling Caps two needless gifts.

For stretches this team has looked as good as anyone in the league, and the rookies Jonathan Huberdeau and Drew Shore(congratulations to him on his first of many career goals to come) are showing the glory of the future, but the current state of this team is tenuous. Who is Tallon putting on a leash, and for how long?

Does Dineen get a pass for now because of the injury issues that lead to the team's slow start? Do the players start getting read the riot act for not playing within the system? The defense and goaltending has broken down in terrible ways in most of the losses, and the Panthers have been blown out of 5 of their first 12 games, which is very uncharacteristic of this team and system based on last year's performance.

I don't believe Dineen's job is in jeopardy, but rather there are players that will likely be shipped out in the next few weeks if the Cats fail to stay over .500. Tallon won't let this season slip away. The Stephen Weiss contract situation looms. Ed Jovanovski's health looms. The goaltending situation looms. These have to make Tallon uneasy.

But there is no way he was as uneasy as he was angry last night after giving a divisional opponent 3 of 4 points in three days, which in effect is a 7 point swing. Red-faced and tired of the inconsistency, you know Tallon's wheeling and dealing blood is boiling. Most in Chicago and Florida have learned to trust in Tallon, because he is certain of what he wants and will do whatever needed to get it. That is a respectable trait, and I have no problem with that certainty causing me nightmares. Maybe I just need a shrink. Lol.

Please "like" above if you enjoyed this, and as always I look forward to your comments.

Dan Spiegel...
Connect with me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/dan.spiegel.7

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