Is Tonite's Game in Sunrise, FL the Prelude to a Soon-to-Come Sunset on the Panthers' Hopes?

Last time the Thrashers were in south Florida, so were I and my beyond awesome, hockey-loving girlfriend, Krisabelle (of bitchin' "blogtastico" fame) to celebrate not only my 36th birthday, but luckily, a dramatic, come-from-behind shoot-out win over the Panthas.

On this mid-December occasion, I can only hope that an outright taking of two-points from the Florida Hell-Kittens would signal the advent of their demise this season. Injuries have really depleted the Cats and despite some gritty play of late (they even beat back the Devils!), they are barely in contention for the 8th spot in the playoff picture. Problem for them is that a regulation loss tonite would mean they fall a full 6 points behind the T-birds, who, additionally, have played 3 fewer games this season.

Over the long run, I just don't see three teams from the Southeast Division making the playoffs. So winning this game along with a couple more against the Thrashers later this season is of monumental importance in my view. If the Thrashers can win tonite and win at least 2 of those 3 games in hand, it will deal a serious blow to the Panthers' fragile pysche and make it that much harder for them to catch us in the standings. Add in the fact that David Booth, arguably their best player, is still a long way from coming back from post-concussion syndrome and you've got a very tough row to hoe. Here's to hoping the Birds can instead offer up a handy shovel with which some significant dirt can be tossed onto Florida's nearly dying playoff hopes.

Note: I realize this blog entry is rather melodramatic in its tone, and painting such a grim picture of the Panthers' playoff prospects is perhaps a bit pre-mature (how's that alliteration doing for ya?). However, I really wanted to post this beautiful picture, which I took on a pristine beach in Longboat Key, FL. And I needed to parlay it into a workable theme. In contrast to my entry, I actually feel a bit bad for the Panthers, who have a lot of good young talent. But with God as my witness, if one of them tries to run Toby Enstrom or one of our better players again, I will drive back down there and personally hurl aspersions from the lower level of their half-empty bowl when we venture back down there on January 18th, 2010. Consider yourself forewarned Bitch-Cats!! I will "rock your rink" like you've never seen before!!