NESN.com: Obviously, the Panthers haven’t made it to the playoffs in some time. What were the fans’ expectations before the seasons for the Panthers, and how have they lived up to those expectations thus far?
Donny: Attaining the proper number of points yet losing the postseason in a tiebreaker [last season] was indeed difficult, but not the Armageddon many may have imagined. As stated above, the Cats have missed the playoffs for the better portion of a decade, so another “miss” was not the heartbreaker it might be in another town such as Vancouver or Montreal. It was not pleasant, however. One could drone on about a perceived conspiracy aligned to ensure Montreal — in their centennial season — simply had to be in the playoffs, but this talk died early (along with the Habs’ Cup hopes).
From where I sit, most vocal Florida fans were excited to see the improvement in the team’s performance, finishing the year with 93 points (good for ninth — or eighth, depending on your loyalties), knowing the ship may finally be on an even keel under coach Peter DeBoer. His hiring, along with retaining most of the scouting staff under Scott Luce, were former GM Jacques Martin‘s best contributions to the club. New general manager Randy Sexton has been with the organization for a few years, and along with knowing the young talent, he happens to be one of those few “capologists” which are so in demand.
However, in a nutshell, fans have been unimpressed with the 5-9-1 start to the current year, and much discussion has been bandied about as to theoretical fixes. Once more, injuries and questionable management decisions have ruled the day in Sunrise. Arguments have already run page after page on the Web discussing Scott Clemmensen, Nathan Horton, coach DeBoer, Ville Peltonen, et al.
NESN.com: Steve Reinprecht holds a pretty healthy lead in goals scored. What kind of game does he typically use to find the back of the net?
Donny: We’re not sure of a whole lot with this club yet, but one thing is certain: Stick “Rhino” in front of the net, insert Cory Stillman, and let it fly. In 15 games with the Cats, he’s banged out nine goals and five assists. That’s Olli Jokinen territory (um, do I really want to go there?). Reinprecht’s been the guy that Horton or David Booth should be, though Horts has picked up his play considerably and Booth — as the world knows — is recovering from a concussion. Reinprecht’s set for a serious career year … if he can sustain the pace.
NESN.com: Former Boston College goaltender Scott Clemmensen has had a pretty interesting past 12 months. He was thrust into the spotlight when Martin Brodeur went down last year, only to be sent to the AHL late in the season. How has he been in limited action this season?
Donny: Every bit as questionable as you’ve read. We’re all aware of the perceived injustice Clemmer received from his former club in Newark after carrying the Devils on his back. Did his new teammates sell him short with little defensive help (likely)? Did he call it like it is (probably)? I, for one, was supremely stoked when — minutes after Colorado signed “wanna-be starter” Craig Anderson — Sexton announced Clemmensen’s three-year contract. I questioned the length, given Tomas Vokoun is “up” in two years and phenom-for-the-moment Jacob Markstrom is eligible to play next season, but Alexander Salak has absolutely torn up the AHL as a Rochester Amerk in his short time there.
Clemmer’s got some ‘splaining to do with the guys that protect him. I still think he’s the real deal, backup-wise, and believe he’s simply adjusting to a new (and extraordinarily different) environment: The Panthers don’t know the first thing about preventing shots. That’s not a refection on the players as much as it’s an organizational epidemic with serious roots.
NESN.com: Are there any sneaky players who might catch Bruins fans by surprise?Donny: Keep an eye on rookie defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. Taken 14th overall in last summer’s draft, the recently turned 19-year-old plays with the poise and experience of a thirty-something, though the minus-9 will be a point of contention no matter his age. Victor Oreskovich — a recent callup — has impressed as well with his physical play.
NESN.com: It seemed pretty clear from afar that Jay Bouwmeester would be moving on from Florida, but what was the general feel from fans after he officially became a Flame?
Donny: In a word — relief. It haunted the club throughout the 2008-09 season, and finally, there is a sense of closure to it. Getting the rights to — and ultimately the signature on a contract by — defenseman Jordan Leopold eased the blow a bit, but the Cats will forever carry that scar. Most of the fan base knew it, and those that have given up screaming about Jacques Martin’s refusal to deal the big D-man will always be there to remind us, but Jay simply wanted to play elsewhere. He did his time in Florida and earned the right to move on according to the collective bargaining agreement. That he appeared to dog it through the final third of last year is my own opinion (see: Paul Coffey in his time with Hartford). Short story? Good luck to him on a club with Dion Phaneuf.
NESN.com: Fans in Boston are used to cold, miserable, nasty winters, so heading into a rink seems natural. One thing people in the Northeast can’t fathom is what it’s like to live in Southern Florida and be a hockey fan. As a former Whalers fan yourself, can you discuss some of the differences and similarities in hockey fans in the different regions?
Donny: A fan is a fan is a fan. Location simply does not matter. Yes, it’s tougher to get across the emotion and obsession to a population which lacks “natural” hockey followers, but once you’ve gotten the point across, it’s a done deal. Actually, it’s easier than many may think, considering the sheer number of transplanted Northeasterners in the Miami/Broward/Palm Beach area. Your chances of running across someone with a Bruins/Flyers/Penguins/Rangers, etc. history are on the high side. Look at the attendance for Toronto/Montreal/New York games in Sunrise. The numbers are remarkable. The B’s do very well.
As a quick personal note, I was in Boston, summer of 1998, when the old Gahden was being demolished. As much as I extraordinarily hated the Bruins, watching that Chamber of Horrors come down, piece by piece, was not pleasant to watch. Looking in from streetside, it was almost tragic (though Peter Sidorkiewicz may never agree).
NESN.com: What was your take on the lack of discipline on Mike Richards‘ hit on Booth earlier this season?
Donny: The league ruled the hit on Booth by Richards was legal. End of story. Did I agree with it? Not entirely. Had this been some poor schlep working his way through the minors, getting his first shot at the Bigs, he’d be done. Mike Richards is not a player with a history of anything remotely nasty, certainly not like what was witnessed several weeks ago. It’s a brutally violent hit, up high, on David Booth, who remains out of the lineup with concussion symptoms due to a legal check. The league apparently wants to take another look at this rule — a day late and a dollar short, as is too often the case.
NESN.com: How will Thursday night’s game play out?
Donny: I played as the Panthers against the Broons on Wednesday night on NHL10. Didn’t go so well: Boston didn’t score more than five, and Florida didn’t score more than zero. In any case, a lot of us down here are looking forward to the collective return of Gregory Campbell, Radek Dvorak, and perhaps Dominic Moore. Booth is out “weeks,” according to DeBoer, so no need to fear him. To no one’s surprise, Tomas Vokoun will be stating in net. As to which Panthers club will show up? Anyone’s guess.
Thanks to Donny from Litter Box Cats for taking the time for NESN.
