Remember those good feelings during the Panthers offseason? All that talk about how losing a stud defenseman wouldnt cripple the team, and how the young players are going to take the next step? Now were about a quarter of the way through the season and that talk all seems like it was just hot air and wishful thinking. Vokouns backup, Scott Clemmensen, cant seem to stop anything; David Booth is suffering through concussions thanks to a cataclysmic hit by Mike Richards; and attendance is as disappointing as ever. Thankfully, theres some good news too: everyone else in the division (save the Caps) are just as terrible, so theres plenty of space to make a move for second place. Plus, tonights game against the New York Rangers should draw a big crowd. Granted, most of them will probably be wearing blue, but then again, no ones complaining so long as tickets get bought. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for as low as $20 for the 7:30 p.m. dropping of the puck. Visit ticketmaster.com, or call 954-835-PUCK.
Wed., Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m., 2009