Panthers’ Afternoon Nips: NHL Realignment Approved

Mar 12, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom (35) fails to stop a goal by Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier (not pictured) in the first period at the BB

When the Panthers face off against the Boston Bruins tonight there will be added gravitas to the matchup. The NHL Board of Governors approved the proposed NHL realignment plan which will now go into effect for the 2012-13 season. The plan will see the league stick to the two conference system but the conferences will now be split into only two division apiece. Under the new plan, the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets will play in the Eastern Conference while the Winnipeg Jets will move to the Western Conference. The Florida Panthers will play in a division with Tampa Bay, Detroit, Boston, Montreal, Toronto Ottawa and Buffalo. So yes, the Panthers and Bruins will face each other tonight as future division foes. Let the rivalry begin!!! You can read more about the realignment, how the schedule will break down and how the playoffs will work over at NHL.com.

Afternoon Nips:

• If you haven’t heard, Kris Versteeg will undergo season ending knee surgery. Here is a look at how the Versteeg injury impacts the Panthers at the trade deadline.
• Scott Clemmensen is looking like he will start against the Bruins tonight.
• Kris Versteeg wasn’t the only big name to go down in Tuesday’s Panthers-Lightning game. Vincent Lecavalier is out indefinitely with an injury he sustained during the game.
• The latest on the Scott Timmins situation. Seem like Timmins is out after posting bail of $800.
• Hockeybuzz reports that the Flyers and Red Wings could be interested in Brian Campbell. This is just a mere rumor and I would imagine it would be a tough task for any team to take on Campbell’s $7 million plus per season contract.
• Its been tough for Panthers fans recently. Here are some vintage Cats highlights set to the musical genius of the Macarena to cheer you up.