I will agree that Upshall had his head down when he shouldn't. He would probably admit that as well. But Gudas has a history with Upshall and regardless of what the NHL says it was absolutely intentional. No matter what, that is a problem. Just because a guy has his head down for a fraction of a second does not give anyone the liberty to light him up in the way Gudas did.
- spiegs13

It got to the point where Denis Potvin, Florida's TV color commentator, asked "Did the officials get a training camp?" hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha Best quote ever! GO CATS

Wow, it's amazing in such a short time Upshall had the time to field 100 calls regarding Gudas... or that Radko had the presence of mind to set up that play and have that great one-liner post-"Gatorade".

Or Scottie is just feeling embarrassed by putting his head down at an inopportune moment and got creamed.

Sounds like a guy trying to save face. Focus on hockey, Upshall, you're a pretty decent player. On the other hand, if you're trying to kick off a Florida v. Tampa rivalry, then you have my sincerest support!

Wow, it's amazing in such a short time Upshall had the time to field 100 calls regarding Gudas... or that Radko had the presence of mind to set up that play and have that great one-liner post-"Gatorade".

Or Scottie is just feeling embarrassed by putting his head down at an inopportune moment and got creamed.

Sounds like a guy trying to save face. Focus on hockey, Upshall, you're a pretty decent player. On the other hand, if you're trying to kick off a Florida v. Tampa rivalry, then you have my sincerest support!
- OzBolts

Wow, it's amazing in such a short time Upshall had the time to field 100 calls regarding Gudas... or that Radko had the presence of mind to set up that play and have that great one-liner post-"Gatorade".

Or Scottie is just feeling embarrassed by putting his head down at an inopportune moment and got creamed.

Sounds like a guy trying to save face. Focus on hockey, Upshall, you're a pretty decent player. On the other hand, if you're trying to kick off a Florida v. Tampa rivalry, then you have my sincerest support!
- OzBolts

Or it could be that Gudas is a scumbag who has a track record of doing these things.

The Gudas hit was borderline. Good physical players can walk that line without straying too far over into the realm of cheapshots. Gudas is still fairly-new and his sample size is small. Too soon to tell whether he will go to the dark side or not. Having said that, you love this type of player on your team and hate him on other teams.

Scott Stevens never won many friends with his style of play, but was respected and feared. Gudas is no Stevens, but it is nice to see the hip-check coming back into the game.

A good rivalry is needed here and this may help spark it. Upshall is not injured and there will be another day for both men. In the days of old, the Cats owned the Lightning. For recent years, the Bolts have returned the favor, but the old rivalry feels dead. Not since Paul Laus versus Rudy Poeschek, have we seen any bad blood between these two teams.

Fear the Beard!

The Gudas hit was borderline. Good physical players can walk that line without straying too far over into the realm of cheapshots. Gudas is still fairly-new and his sample size is small. Too soon to tell whether he will go to the dark side or not. Having said that, you love this type of player on your team and hate him on other teams.

Scott Stevens never won many friends with his style of play, but was respected and feared. Gudas is no Stevens, but it is nice to see the hip-check coming back into the game.

A good rivalry is needed here and this may help spark it. Upshall is not injured and there will be another day for both men. In the days of old, the Cats owned the Lightning. For recent years, the Bolts have returned the favor, but the old rivalry feels dead. Not since Paul Laus versus Rudy Poeschek, have we seen any bad blood between these two teams.

Fear the Beard!
- GalacticStone

Don't worry, the fire hath returned.

Just got in from the opener. No smiles now.

Bob McKenzie retweeted
George Richards @GeorgeRichards
#FlaPanthers announced attendance: 11,419. Lowest in franchise history for a home opener (12,087 for Calgary, 1995-96 at Miami Arena)

Hey bjustad, try shooting the puck once in a while. 2 games and no shots on goal. He looks slow and out of shape or something, maybe hurt

We just flat out sucked tonight. Is it just me or do the panthers not know how to hold onto the puck?? I think we might need some mighty ducks egg passing drills. 3 on 1 coming down the ice, clean pass, and we miss handle the puck. Hard to watch. Happened tonight and against the Lightning.

I'm going to use this as therapy.. because I need it after last night. I felt weird driving to the game; and I was there like I am all the time. In fact, I have missed only one season opener ever because I was sick. I no longer have season tickets with a 10 month old. But I still go to probably 20 games a season... this may be a bit long but it ALL needs said.

Anyways, I felt weird just driving to the game last night. I brought my youngest brother with me and we were talking about what we needed to do to win; the normal pregame jargon. When I walked up to the doors it was about 6:30. I was shocked- 30 minutes until puck drop and there was no line to get in. There were no big outdoor festivities minus the boring bounce house they always have. No games for kids. There were plenty of ticket reps outside, though. Walked inside to the normal funnel of two ticket scanners per 500 people (seriously). As I walked to the lower bowl to watch the pregame warm ups, I was delighted to learn that Club Stupid as hell had been reduced to only one section (that area was actually more full than any other). Once I started to watch the players warming up, it started to feel like a game to me. I got pumped up.

That feeling lasted about 45 seconds. I hadn't realized that the team changed the old 300 level (the yellow seats) into the new "CL Level". I purchased 300 level tickets thinking that they were in the club and the price was what I had normally paid for those. So I was in 331 which was actually 431. Ok, whatever. It was so dark up there you could barely see. The tarps look DISGUSTING. As the intros started, the building was so empty I was starting to get worried. There was no one in the arena. I have pictures if anyone wants to see. Bill Murphy, the in-arena host had about as much energy as my grandfather who died in April. We have a new mascot: Victor E. Rat. Dumbest thing ever and NO ONE cared. The in game entertainment SUCKED. There were two LED strips on our new $4 billion score board that were not being used.

And then the puck dropped. Usually I look to the seating sections and see people lined up waiting for the first whistle so they can get to their seats. Not this time. A little over two minutes into the game the Devils score. No music plays after the goal. There was just an odd 30 seconds of silence. Ok, big deal. Luongo was screened. Another goal, another goal, another goal. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Kulikov is falling over the blue line. Barkov looks like he weighs 250 pounds. Luongo couldn't stop an ant from eating sugar. It was so hard to watch. I was shocked they kept Lu in to start the second period. Didn't last long; another goal. Montoya came in and performed well... but NJ didn't even have to play after that.

The only two bright spots on the ice were Upshall and MacKenzie. Other than that, I was completely embarrassed last night. I defend this team every day and last night I could not do it. I could defend the play. I could not defend the crowd. To me it really seems like the Tallon era is over. He is banking on Barkov/Huberdeau becoming his Toews/Kane and I don't see it. I saw a team last night that wasn't prepared to play darts let alone hockey. I don't want to hear any crap about new players need time to gel. Half of the Devils roster is brand new and they've scored ELEVEN goals in two games.

Couldn't tell you guys about the third period, I got my a$$ out of there after 40 minutes. I e-mailed the team about the horrible game experience. They won't respond, I doubt they can afford people to respond to e-mails. 11,419 people. That's a cryin shame and I am EMBARRASSED to be a Panthers fan right now. For the first time ever in my life I could not defend relocation last night. I could not defend the low turn out. I can no longer defend Tallon. I don't wanna hear "we're only two games in, don't worry yet...". When do you worry? 20 games in when nothing can be done?

I don't even care to speculate about who should play and who shouldn't, who should be traded and who shouldn't. I want to and deserve to watch a winning team. This isn't one. I'm done.

I'm going to use this as therapy.. because I need it after last night. I felt weird driving to the game; and I was there like I am all the time. In fact, I have missed only one season opener ever because I was sick. I no longer have season tickets with a 10 month old. But I still go to probably 20 games a season... this may be a bit long but it ALL needs said.

Anyways, I felt weird just driving to the game last night. I brought my youngest brother with me and we were talking about what we needed to do to win; the normal pregame jargon. When I walked up to the doors it was about 6:30. I was shocked- 30 minutes until puck drop and there was no line to get in. There were no big outdoor festivities minus the boring bounce house they always have. No games for kids. There were plenty of ticket reps outside, though. Walked inside to the normal funnel of two ticket scanners per 500 people (seriously). As I walked to the lower bowl to watch the pregame warm ups, I was delighted to learn that Club Stupid as hell had been reduced to only one section (that area was actually more full than any other). Once I started to watch the players warming up, it started to feel like a game to me. I got pumped up.

That feeling lasted about 45 seconds. I hadn't realized that the team changed the old 300 level (the yellow seats) into the new "CL Level". I purchased 300 level tickets thinking that they were in the club and the price was what I had normally paid for those. So I was in 331 which was actually 431. Ok, whatever. It was so dark up there you could barely see. The tarps look DISGUSTING. As the intros started, the building was so empty I was starting to get worried. There was no one in the arena. I have pictures if anyone wants to see. Bill Murphy, the in-arena host had about as much energy as my grandfather who died in April. We have a new mascot: Victor E. Rat. Dumbest thing ever and NO ONE cared. The in game entertainment SUCKED. There were two LED strips on our new $4 billion score board that were not being used.

And then the puck dropped. Usually I look to the seating sections and see people lined up waiting for the first whistle so they can get to their seats. Not this time. A little over two minutes into the game the Devils score. No music plays after the goal. There was just an odd 30 seconds of silence. Ok, big deal. Luongo was screened. Another goal, another goal, another goal. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Kulikov is falling over the blue line. Barkov looks like he weighs 250 pounds. Luongo couldn't stop an ant from eating sugar. It was so hard to watch. I was shocked they kept Lu in to start the second period. Didn't last long; another goal. Montoya came in and performed well... but NJ didn't even have to play after that.

The only two bright spots on the ice were Upshall and MacKenzie. Other than that, I was completely embarrassed last night. I defend this team every day and last night I could not do it. I could defend the play. I could not defend the crowd. To me it really seems like the Tallon era is over. He is banking on Barkov/Huberdeau becoming his Toews/Kane and I don't see it. I saw a team last night that wasn't prepared to play darts let alone hockey. I don't want to hear any crap about new players need time to gel. Half of the Devils roster is brand new and they've scored ELEVEN goals in two games.

Couldn't tell you guys about the third period, I got my a$$ out of there after 40 minutes. I e-mailed the team about the horrible game experience. They won't respond, I doubt they can afford people to respond to e-mails. 11,419 people. That's a cryin shame and I am EMBARRASSED to be a Panthers fan right now. For the first time ever in my life I could not defend relocation last night. I could not defend the low turn out. I can no longer defend Tallon. I don't wanna hear "we're only two games in, don't worry yet...". When do you worry? 20 games in when nothing can be done?

I don't even care to speculate about who should play and who shouldn't, who should be traded and who shouldn't. I want to and deserve to watch a winning team. This isn't one. I'm done.
- Panthers88

So in essence you are the newest member of the Devils fanbase

I'm going to use this as therapy.. because I need it after last night. I felt weird driving to the game; and I was there like I am all the time. In fact, I have missed only one season opener ever because I was sick. I no longer have season tickets with a 10 month old. But I still go to probably 20 games a season... this may be a bit long but it ALL needs said.

Anyways, I felt weird just driving to the game last night. I brought my youngest brother with me and we were talking about what we needed to do to win; the normal pregame jargon. When I walked up to the doors it was about 6:30. I was shocked- 30 minutes until puck drop and there was no line to get in. There were no big outdoor festivities minus the boring bounce house they always have. No games for kids. There were plenty of ticket reps outside, though. Walked inside to the normal funnel of two ticket scanners per 500 people (seriously). As I walked to the lower bowl to watch the pregame warm ups, I was delighted to learn that Club Stupid as hell had been reduced to only one section (that area was actually more full than any other). Once I started to watch the players warming up, it started to feel like a game to me. I got pumped up.

That feeling lasted about 45 seconds. I hadn't realized that the team changed the old 300 level (the yellow seats) into the new "CL Level". I purchased 300 level tickets thinking that they were in the club and the price was what I had normally paid for those. So I was in 331 which was actually 431. Ok, whatever. It was so dark up there you could barely see. The tarps look DISGUSTING. As the intros started, the building was so empty I was starting to get worried. There was no one in the arena. I have pictures if anyone wants to see. Bill Murphy, the in-arena host had about as much energy as my grandfather who died in April. We have a new mascot: Victor E. Rat. Dumbest thing ever and NO ONE cared. The in game entertainment SUCKED. There were two LED strips on our new $4 billion score board that were not being used.

And then the puck dropped. Usually I look to the seating sections and see people lined up waiting for the first whistle so they can get to their seats. Not this time. A little over two minutes into the game the Devils score. No music plays after the goal. There was just an odd 30 seconds of silence. Ok, big deal. Luongo was screened. Another goal, another goal, another goal. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Kulikov is falling over the blue line. Barkov looks like he weighs 250 pounds. Luongo couldn't stop an ant from eating sugar. It was so hard to watch. I was shocked they kept Lu in to start the second period. Didn't last long; another goal. Montoya came in and performed well... but NJ didn't even have to play after that.

The only two bright spots on the ice were Upshall and MacKenzie. Other than that, I was completely embarrassed last night. I defend this team every day and last night I could not do it. I could defend the play. I could not defend the crowd. To me it really seems like the Tallon era is over. He is banking on Barkov/Huberdeau becoming his Toews/Kane and I don't see it. I saw a team last night that wasn't prepared to play darts let alone hockey. I don't want to hear any crap about new players need time to gel. Half of the Devils roster is brand new and they've scored ELEVEN goals in two games.

Couldn't tell you guys about the third period, I got my a$$ out of there after 40 minutes. I e-mailed the team about the horrible game experience. They won't respond, I doubt they can afford people to respond to e-mails. 11,419 people. That's a cryin shame and I am EMBARRASSED to be a Panthers fan right now. For the first time ever in my life I could not defend relocation last night. I could not defend the low turn out. I can no longer defend Tallon. I don't wanna hear "we're only two games in, don't worry yet...". When do you worry? 20 games in when nothing can be done?

I don't even care to speculate about who should play and who shouldn't, who should be traded and who shouldn't. I want to and deserve to watch a winning team. This isn't one. I'm done.
- Panthers88

Well, let me tell you what I saw. Section 121, great seats. Oh, btw, you personally rip US that have doubts, but YOU expect to get a shoulder to cry on this morning??

On the PLUS side:
Ekblad looked very good. Comfortable, energetic.

The concourse of the BB&T Center looked fresh and clean. The food courts got a newer look and the floors were somehow re-surfaced with some new color. Place looked great.

The in-game videos are always great by the Panthers, they have someone who is a master creating those openings. Quite good.

Like most pro sports, they had aisle vendors. Some don't like this. I do.

Victor E. Rat..eh, so what, why put a negative on something that is a attempt at a positive. The move at very least attempts to remind you of the history. that's a good thing.

Montoya, Mackenzie, Gudbranson and dare I say Campbell looked the most interested.

On the DOWN side:
An embarrassing black curtain upstairs

Jokinen does NOT belong on that line, he looked absolutely LOST

If Jokinen IS lost, we are in big trouble on the offense, these "kids in the system" don't look like they have what it takes AGAIN to move up to the level of scorer.

Bjugstad looked terrible and lazy

Huberdeau has NOT gotten bigger whoever quoted on here that he did needs eyewear.

Defense doesn't push traffic out of front of net.

Scary silence too often when no action on ice. Play an organ clip or something.

Bill Murphy doesn't play for the team, and to blame him for being lethargic is unfair. His introductions were fine and solid. He's better here than on the radio.

Why is Pirri scratched?

Well, here goes...What IF Viola is putting in his half-ass effort to eventually bail? Something does stink here. The corporate side of things is terrible from what I hear from my buddies who are/were SSO's for years. I have a friend who is on the training staff, and I've never pressured him for HIS opinion before. I think that time has come. Some things looked great, but the feeling you get is one of "I just don't know" and I never had that before.

BTW, Travis Viola was walking the 100 level smiling from ear to ear with is crew. At least HE was happy...early.

So in essence you are the newest member of the Devils fanbase
- blizzzard

Get Lost. "Devils Fan Base"???

Well, let me tell you what I saw. Section 121, great seats. Oh, btw, you personally rip US that have doubts, but YOU expect to get a shoulder to cry on this morning??

On the PLUS side:
Ekblad looked very good. Comfortable, energetic.

The concourse of the BB&T Center looked fresh and clean. The food courts got a newer look and the floors were somehow re-surfaced with some new color. Place looked great.

The in-game videos are always great by the Panthers, they have someone who is a master creating those openings. Quite good.

Like most pro sports, they had aisle vendors. Some don't like this. I do.

Victor E. Rat..eh, so what, why put a negative on something that is a attempt at a positive. The move at very least attempts to remind you of the history. that's a good thing.

Montoya, Mackenzie, Gudbranson and dare I say Campbell looked the most interested.

On the DOWN side:
An embarrassing black curtain upstairs

Jokinen does NOT belong on that line, he looked absolutely LOST

If Jokinen IS lost, we are in big trouble on the offense, these "kids in the system" don't look like they have what it takes AGAIN to move up to the level of scorer.

Bjugstad looked terrible and lazy

Huberdeau has NOT gotten bigger whoever quoted on here that he did needs eyewear.

Defense doesn't push traffic out of front of net.

Scary silence too often when no action on ice. Play an organ clip or something.

Bill Murphy doesn't play for the team, and to blame him for being lethargic is unfair. His introductions were fine and solid. He's better here than on the radio.

Why is Pirri scratched?

Well, here goes...What IF Viola is putting in his half-ass effort to eventually bail? Something does stink here. The corporate side of things is terrible from what I hear from my buddies who are/were SSO's for years. I have a friend who is on the training staff, and I've never pressured him for HIS opinion before. I think that time has come. Some things looked great, but the feeling you get is one of "I just don't know" and I never had that before.

BTW, Travis Viola was walking the 100 level smiling from ear to ear with is crew. At least HE was happy...early.
- PanthersGoal

Who cares about what the floors look like. Did you ever go to the old miami area? Discusting but the play on the ice was great. Travis viola is a putz. A spoiled brat whose daddy bought the team so his so n has a job. That's all you gotta know about how this organization works. Remember people, billionaires need write offs, just go ask your accountant if you have one. How many times have you heard them say "we didn't come out ready to play"? Me, about the last 10 yrs.

Well, let me tell you what I saw. Section 121, great seats. Oh, btw, you personally rip US that have doubts, but YOU expect to get a shoulder to cry on this morning??

On the PLUS side:
Ekblad looked very good. Comfortable, energetic.

The concourse of the BB&T Center looked fresh and clean. The food courts got a newer look and the floors were somehow re-surfaced with some new color. Place looked great.

The in-game videos are always great by the Panthers, they have someone who is a master creating those openings. Quite good.

Like most pro sports, they had aisle vendors. Some don't like this. I do.

Victor E. Rat..eh, so what, why put a negative on something that is a attempt at a positive. The move at very least attempts to remind you of the history. that's a good thing.

Montoya, Mackenzie, Gudbranson and dare I say Campbell looked the most interested.

On the DOWN side:
An embarrassing black curtain upstairs

Jokinen does NOT belong on that line, he looked absolutely LOST

If Jokinen IS lost, we are in big trouble on the offense, these "kids in the system" don't look like they have what it takes AGAIN to move up to the level of scorer.

Bjugstad looked terrible and lazy

Huberdeau has NOT gotten bigger whoever quoted on here that he did needs eyewear.

Defense doesn't push traffic out of front of net.

Scary silence too often when no action on ice. Play an organ clip or something.

Bill Murphy doesn't play for the team, and to blame him for being lethargic is unfair. His introducti

ons were fine and solid. He's better here than on the radio.

Why is Pirri scratched?

Well, here goes...What IF Viola is putting in his half-ass effort to eventually bail? Something does stink here. The corporate side of things is terrible from what I hear from my buddies who are/were SSO's for years. I have a friend who is on the training staff, and I've never pressured him for HIS opinion before. I think that time has come. Some things looked great, but the feeling you get is one of "I just don't know" and I never had that before.

BTW, Travis Viola was walking the 100 level smiling from ear to ear with is crew. At least HE was happy...early.
- PanthersGoal

Jokinen got 30 goals last yr because he played with Crosby and malkin

Who cares about what the floors look like. Did you ever go to the old miami area? Discusting but the play on the ice was great. Travis viola is a putz. A spoiled brat whose daddy bought the team so his so n has a job. That's all you gotta know about how this organization works. Remember people, billionaires need write offs, just go ask your accountant if you have one. How many times have you heard them say "we didn't come out ready to play"? Me, about the last 10 yrs.
- harveykline

My POINT was regarding floors (Christ Almighty already) that it's confusing as to what the future is. Some things look to be magnificent, while others are horrific.

In addition, Jussi Jokinen is a well paid professional, and your stupid ass point is moot, because of course anyone would look better playing with those two. It's an easy point you make, but not really valid. Lost is lost.

Who cares about what the floors look like. Did you ever go to the old miami area? Discusting but the play on the ice was great. Travis viola is a putz. A spoiled brat whose daddy bought the team so his so n has a job. That's all you gotta know about how this organization works. Remember people, billionaires need write offs, just go ask your accountant if you have one. How many times have you heard them say "we didn't come out ready to play"? Me, about the last 10 yrs.
- harveykline

And again, though small, the Miami Arena was immaculate. A great small and loud barn. Yup, been there and continuously road the Panther bus from Broward to the front door. BB&T is a better hockey building in a much better location. Next.

Get Lost. "Devils Fan Base"???
- PanthersGoal

You are laughing at the size of fan base the Devils have ? I mean did I even need to respond to this? How many fans at the game last night ? How much cheaper were the tickets compared to league average ?

You are laughing at the size of fan base the Devils have ? I mean did I even need to respond to this? How many fans at the game last night ? How much cheaper were the tickets compared to league average ?
- blizzzard

You're fan base is weak. Although your club has attained great recent success your "fan base" blows. Good bye.

You're fan base is weak. Although your club has attained great recent success your "fan base" blows. Good bye.
- PanthersGoal

Ok but still much greater then your fan base so that was the point, not the success of the two franchises which was obvious who had done more. For people who live in nice weather for 90% of the time you sure are pissy a lot.

And again, though small, the Miami Arena was immaculate. A great small and loud barn. Yup, been there and continuously road the Panther bus from Broward to the front door. BB&T is a better hockey building in a much better location. Next.
- PanthersGoal

Immaculate? You must never took a piss there

Well, let me tell you what I saw. Section 121, great seats. Oh, btw, you personally rip US that have doubts, but YOU expect to get a shoulder to cry on this morning??

On the PLUS side:
Ekblad looked very good. Comfortable, energetic.

The concourse of the BB&T Center looked fresh and clean. The food courts got a newer look and the floors were somehow re-surfaced with some new color. Place looked great.

The in-game videos are always great by the Panthers, they have someone who is a master creating those openings. Quite good.

Like most pro sports, they had aisle vendors. Some don't like this. I do.

Victor E. Rat..eh, so what, why put a negative on something that is a attempt at a positive. The move at very least attempts to remind you of the history. that's a good thing.

Montoya, Mackenzie, Gudbranson and dare I say Campbell looked the most interested.

On the DOWN side:
An embarrassing black curtain upstairs

Jokinen does NOT belong on that line, he looked absolutely LOST

If Jokinen IS lost, we are in big trouble on the offense, these "kids in the system" don't look like they have what it takes AGAIN to move up to the level of scorer.

Bjugstad looked terrible and lazy

Huberdeau has NOT gotten bigger whoever quoted on here that he did needs eyewear.

Defense doesn't push traffic out of front of net.

Scary silence too often when no action on ice. Play an organ clip or something.

Bill Murphy doesn't play for the team, and to blame him for being lethargic is unfair. His introductions were fine and solid. He's better here than on the radio.

Why is Pirri scratched?

Well, here goes...What IF Viola is putting in his half-ass effort to eventually bail? Something does stink here. The corporate side of things is terrible from what I hear from my buddies who are/were SSO's for years. I have a friend who is on the training staff, and I've never pressured him for HIS opinion before. I think that time has come. Some things looked great, but the feeling you get is one of "I just don't know" and I never had that before.

BTW, Travis Viola was walking the 100 level smiling from ear to ear with is crew. At least HE was happy...early.
- PanthersGoal

I don't ever RIP anyone. All I do is say let things happen FIRST. There is no way anyone could have predicted last night. Now that it's happened, I can and will air my grievances. Trust me if I needed a shoulder to cry on, I wouldn't come to any of you. I think Viola wants out of here.

I don't ever RIP anyone. All I do is say let things happen FIRST. There is no way anyone could have predicted last night. Now that it's happened, I can and will air my grievances. Trust me if I needed a shoulder to cry on, I wouldn't come to any of you. I think Viola wants out of here.
- Panthers88

My thoughts are this. Viola is focusing all of his money into the play on the ice. He has spent money and the team is better even tho they didn't show it last night. One thing I can say is why are you guys surprised about the turn out? We've stunk for the past 4 years or so, especially the last 2 seasons. If we go out and start to play good on the ice people will show up, but until then nobody is gonna go because who wants to spend money to see your team lose 5-1? I mean I will go and most die hard fans would, but the average fan won't. Success brings in the crowd and this team just hasn't had any success in a while. If we go on this road trip and sweep the teams, I promise the crowd will be better Will that happen probably not.

You're fan base is weak. Although your club has attained great recent success your "fan base" blows. Good bye.
- PanthersGoal

Sure the devils fan base isn't like the leafs or near the top, but you really have no room to judge when for an opener your getting 60% attendance with cheap tickets and lots of incentives

Devils preseason games had better attendance

No matter how you look at it 11.5k fans for an opener is pathetic