Daily Pucking Grind. Late Roast. February 17th.

Today’s music choice is Ashes to Ashes by Warpaint. A remake of the famous David Bowie hit.

As Dave pointed out in his post game review, the Florida Panthers once again woke up a little too late to salvage two points last night, as they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 4-2.  Missed opportunities, another slow start with no jump, and foiled once again by the war room in Toronto, as an apparent goal by Marty Reasoner of the Panthers was ruled not to have completely crossed the goal line.  In addition to that, the Panthers only played with 11 forwards as Steve Bernier was stricken with flu like symptoms and was a late scratch, and the Panthers were also missing two of their top six defenceman in Bryan McCabe and Dmitry Kulikov.  I am not making excuses, just stating facts.  One thing that I would have like to see was a timeout called by Peter DeBoer in the first period as the Flyers scored goals 65 seconds apart.  Settle the troops, or kick them right in the arse.  One of the two would have been appropriate at the time.  But nothing.  To me, that’s a problem.

The team has shown that on  most nights it’s able to compete, albeit not always for 60 minutes as last night showed, but the lack of finishers, the lack of scoring depth to go along with the lack of desperation, will apparently result in another season ending in April.  Now I say lack of desperation because from what I see as well as others that I talk to, the Panthers don’t seem to have that early jump at the beginning of games where they take control of the play.  A solid hit early, a quick few shots on goal within the first couple minutes would show a sign of readiness.  Playing with caution at any point during a game this late in the season is a recipe for failure.  Links after the jump.

Here are your Thursday links:

Top story from yesterday is Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville being admitted to the hospital for a non cardiac illness.  TSN.ca. Also the Chicago Tribune. Get well fast coach.  The team needs you.

The boxscore from last nights game.  Ugly stat of the night?  Crash, Wideman and Stillman all -3!

George Richards thinks that Toronto is paying us back for Chris Bosh.  On Frozen Pond.

Michal Repik wants to know what his future is with the Panthers.  Harvey Fialkov.

Hockey Day in America is Sunday in NBC and the spotlight game will be the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins at 3:30 P.M. Eastern.  Blackhawks play by play voice Pat Foley will call the game.  If you have never heard him, you are in for the treat of your life!

The Three Stars from Puck Daddy for Wednesday night.

Justin Bourne never ceases to amaze with the things he publishes.  Get this from a recent game he went to.

The anatomy of a trade rumor by Wicked Good Sports.

The list of the top ten players most likely to be traded.  THN.

Dont forget to tune in tonight to Rink Side Rants at 9:00 P.M. Eastern.  Tim Redinger from Sabre Noise and I will have on special guest Coach K (no not that one) from All Habs.net.

Thanks for reading.  We welcome your comments or rants.

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