Just before the Panthers' 4-1 victory at Toronto last night, it became clear that a big celebrity might be visiting South Florida soon.
It has been speculated that the Florida Panthers happen to run into Kevin Spacey in New York back in December. From that point they went on a 12-game winning streak.
This is also the time a blue sweatshirt with Kevin Spacey's face in space started being awarded to the best Panther player for each game.
The #SpaceyInSpace movement and sweatshirt have taken off since then. The Panther merchandise store in Sunrise can barely keep the hoodies and t-shirts in stock, and Spacey himself held up a sweatshirt on the Today show talking about he had become a good luck charm for the Cats.
Over the last several weeks there had been some grumblings that Spacey would finally be attending a game in South Florida. Then Spacey released this on his Twitter account yesterday.
No blarney... Spacey IS in space. #FloridaPanthers pic.twitter.com/bQKHhaV8uL
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) March 17, 2016
It is remarkable how big this Spacey movement has become, and to have him in the arena Saturday should be great fun for the fans and everyone involved.
While Spacey is widely known for his roles in movies such as The Usual Suspects and American Beauty, he is currently taking the Netflix world by storm as President Frank Underwood on House of Cards. His media tour promoting the new just released season of HOC was a perfect opportunity to discuss his relationship with the Panthers as well.
Sportscenter anchors have been seen wearing the sweatshirts, and Aaron Ekblad took off his jersey and donned the hoodie during the skills competition at the NHL All Star game.
There is still mystery about how exactly this marriage between the Panthers and Spacey began. Even more mystery surrounds what Spacey In Space even means. Regardless, this has been a source of great fodder for a franchise that is finally on the right side of winning.
The Panthers currently have the second most points in the Eastern Conference and are 3 points ahead of Boston in the Atlantic Division with 11 games left.
While that all sounds good for Florida, "hell week" is about to begin with games against Detroit and then on the road against the Rangers, Bruins, and Lightning. Obviously the next week will determine a lot in terms of seeding for the playoffs.
Nothing like President Underwood to give the Panthers a lift for the stretch run.
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