Who's stoked for the game tonight?!
- Panthers4life

I think we all have to be. These are the games we can't lose or at least need a point out of. Not a conference opponent, but two points are two points. I think had Huberdeau and Barkov played against the Stars during the pre-season, we would have won in those shootouts. None the less, here we GO!

Also, in regards to Clem. He has cleared waivers.. shockingly.. and is going to San Antonio for a two game rehab stint. This is important because Markstrom can be sent back down if need be. After his two games he will be re-evaluated. He needs to pass through re-entry, and I'm wondering if he plays well in the AHL if another team will grab him at that time. We shall see. I want to see Markstrom up here backing up Thomas, though.

Yormark is now CEO, they didn't cut him.. They should cut YOU though!
You're so strange! I mean you go from bashing the team no matter what they do, to praising the team because we have new owners and brought in some players who can contribute. It's odd. I'm surprised you didn't bash the team for bringing in TT because he's 39 who hasn't played hockey in two years.
- pantherfan12

Just like the Ed Belfour signing a few years back I think the TT signing is equally as good. Obviously they still don't trust Markstrom to the the #1, and Thomas is a great fit here. Always liked him. I've always liked Boyes as well so I'm happy at the moment.

As for Yormark, I did not know he was promoted, that's a mistake but as long as he stays out of the hockey side of things everything will be fine.

Well.. we won. What an exciting hockey game that was. How about Barkov?! First NHL goal- the YOUNGEST PLAYER IN NHL HISTORY TO SCORE! Everyone who said he was a mistake can suck eggs. Goc with two goals. Gomez charging the net for his first. Thomas playing out of his MIND. Gudbranson and Weaver had 10 blocked shots between them, including that last one where Gudbranson was stung a bit. This is will be a captain here one day, and soon. PK was amazing. Our PP needs work but that will come.. with so many new faces you have to learn where everyone will be. Thought that the misconduct on Kulikov is stupid, that's a retarded rule. Whatever, we've still yet to see him in a full contest. Winchester, Huberdeau, Flash, Versteeg (minus one particular play on the Stars' second goal where he STOPPED skating), hell even Upshall looked great. The only player I did not like was Whitney. I think he was trying too hard and made some careless decisions. He also did not back check on that second Dallas goal. Not saying he was a mistake, but he needs to be careful. He's only getting paid $900k so we can sit him and it wouldn't be a bad idea. He'll improve. On to the next one.

EDIT: Forgot about my Norris trophy pick, Brian Campbell. Two assists. He is in great shape. Matthias didn't get on the score sheet but he was playing out of his mind. After a few games I want to see where everyone is.

Well.. we won. What an exciting hockey game that was. How about Barkov?! First NHL goal- the YOUNGEST PLAYER IN NHL HISTORY TO SCORE! Everyone who said he was a mistake can suck eggs. Goc with two goals. Gomez charging the net for his first. Thomas playing out of his MIND. Gudbranson and Weaver had 10 blocked shots between them, including that last one where Gudbranson was stung a bit. This is will be a captain here one day, and soon. PK was amazing. Our PP needs work but that will come.. with so many new faces you have to learn where everyone will be. Thought that the misconduct on Kulikov is stupid, that's a retarded rule. Whatever, we've still yet to see him in a full contest. Winchester, Huberdeau, Flash, Versteeg (minus one particular play on the Stars' second goal where he STOPPED skating), hell even Upshall looked great. The only player I did not like was Whitney. I think he was trying too hard and made some careless decisions. He also did not back check on that second Dallas goal. Not saying he was a mistake, but he needs to be careful. He's only getting paid $900k so we can sit him and it wouldn't be a bad idea. He'll improve. On to the next one.

EDIT: Forgot about my Norris trophy pick, Brian Campbell. Two assists. He is in great shape. Matthias didn't get on the score sheet but he was playing out of his mind. After a few games I want to see where everyone is.
- Panthers88

Yeah, it was definately an exciting game. I hope the success continues though because I don't want a few wins followed by 10 losses. I have confidence though with TT in net next to Markstrom, a 99% healthy roster and a lot of talent and experience, it should hopefully be an exciting season.

You just gave him some ammo.....
- Panthers88

Naw..... He didn't retaliate so.. Plus, I'm just tired of the negativity against the team in general. I enjoy coming on here and other boards just to bs about hockey and the Panthers with my fellow Panther fans. there is no need for trolls to come onto Panther boards and bash the team just to ruffle feathers.

After watching this game you can see a few early indicators of a team trying to create a new identity while still seeing a few of the nagging regularities of the previous identity.

New:
Weaver/Kulikov getting into fights. Huby/Barkov building chemistry. Weaver/Gudbranson sacrificing the body. A 4th line that can make a play. A better PK effort all around. Thomas being an anchor to steady the ship and actually having fun at the same time. Maintaining composure after giving up a goal in the 3rd period and closing a game out convincingly.

Old:
Lazy backchecks leaving guys open in front of the net. Too many predictable back passes below the defensive goal line when the other teams forecheck is already in the zone with speed.

Obviously a good road win and good start to the season. Barkov certainly looked more comfortable as the game wore on.

STL will be a good test on Saturday to see how the Cats measure up against a top 4 team out west.

God I love watching Timmy Tomas play! Guy is the most exciting goalie to watch.

Now about the game. We were a little slow to start but I loved the way we played last night it's about time we show some passion hope they can keep it up.

Naw..... He didn't retaliate so.. Plus, I'm just tired of the negativity against the team in general. I enjoy coming on here and other boards just to bs about hockey and the Panthers with my fellow Panther fans. there is no need for trolls to come onto Panther boards and bash the team just to ruffle feathers.
- pantherfan12

Amen dude.

Good start to the season, hope they can maintain as St. Louis is a strong contender out west.

Like Barkov, he was fearless and in plays in tough areas of the ice, shows no signs of limitation or fear from the shoulder injury and rookie jitters.

Gudbranson looked a lot better, and Weaver had a good game.

After watching this game you can see a few early indicators of a team trying to create a new identity while still seeing a few of the nagging regularities of the previous identity.

New:
Weaver/Kulikov getting into fights. Huby/Barkov building chemistry. Weaver/Gudbranson sacrificing the body. A 4th line that can make a play. A better PK effort all around. Thomas being an anchor to steady the ship and actually having fun at the same time. Maintaining composure after giving up a goal in the 3rd period and closing a game out convincingly.

Old:
Lazy backchecks leaving guys open in front of the net. Too many predictable back passes below the defensive goal line when the other teams forecheck is already in the zone with speed.

Obviously a good road win and good start to the season. Barkov certainly looked more comfortable as the game wore on.

STL will be a good test on Saturday to see how the Cats measure up against a top 4 team out west.
- Rat-a-Holic

The lazy back checking was evident really only once; that short handed goal by Dallas. Versteeg and Whitney. You know they'll both be called out.

The lazy back checking was evident really only once; that short handed goal by Dallas. Versteeg and Whitney. You know they'll both be called out.
- Panthers88

I hope so that's the only real problem I had last night with the game. Everyone is playing there heart out and then the other team gets a 2 on 1 and you take your good old time to get back?

That cost us a goal and almost the game! We can not do that we don't score enough to hand out free goals...

And also how about Goc. Way to show he can hold down the fort as our #1 center. One of the most underrated guys in the league even by our own fan base. I really hope he stays with us great guy to have.

After watching this game you can see a few early indicators of a team trying to create a new identity while still seeing a few of the nagging regularities of the previous identity.

New:
Weaver/Kulikov getting into fights. Huby/Barkov building chemistry. Weaver/Gudbranson sacrificing the body. A 4th line that can make a play. A better PK effort all around. Thomas being an anchor to steady the ship and actually having fun at the same time. Maintaining composure after giving up a goal in the 3rd period and closing a game out convincingly.

Old:
Lazy backchecks leaving guys open in front of the net. Too many predictable back passes below the defensive goal line when the other teams forecheck is already in the zone with speed.

Obviously a good road win and good start to the season. Barkov certainly looked more comfortable as the game wore on.

STL will be a good test on Saturday to see how the Cats measure up against a top 4 team out west.
- Rat-a-Holic

I agree with everything you said except the backchecking, I think besides the one lazy play where they scored, we were backchecking really well IMO. I'm really liking the lines he put on the ice last night as well.

Two more things, what's gonna happen when Bergy comes back (who's sitting and what line will he play on, I'm assuming third) and I think TT played a hell of a game don't get me wrong here, I just think not enough credit is going to the guys in front of him because they played a really good defensive game.

And also how about Goc. Way to show he can hold down the fort as our #1 center. One of the most underrated guys in the league even by our own fan base. I really hope he stays with us great guy to have.
- Crazycaboose

Yep. Let the man stay there and score his goals. I would love to have him back here. Only problem is you have prospects ready to come up like Bjugstad. But he looked amazing. I'll reserve further judgement because I want to see if he can stay healthy all year.

I agree with everything you said except the backchecking, I think besides the one lazy play where they scored, we were backchecking really well IMO. I'm really liking the lines he put on the ice last night as well.

Two more things, what's gonna happen when Bergy comes back (who's sitting and what line will he play on, I'm assuming third) and I think TT played a hell of a game don't get me wrong here, I just think not enough credit is going to the guys in front of him because they played a really good defensive game.
- Panthers4life

I think Shore sits when Bergy comes back. He or Winchester.

I like what I have seen from TT should be a interesting season. Most people seem to think without boston D he will be bad. But even thou last season was bad one thing FLA has always had that has been good was Defense.

I'm worried about how our number 1 center works out.
- Crazycaboose

I know I'm late on this one but... The Broons don't win the cup in 2011 without Timmy. It's that simple. Thomas is a monster. Rask definitely benefited from him I'm sure Markstrom will too.