The Panthers have just finished off a successful five-game
homestand, compiling a 3-1-1 record along the way. This recent
success has improved their overall record to 11-11-6 and keeps
them in excellent position for a playoff run.
Florida has been playing with a new sense of confidence and
desire over the past three weeks and players such as Kozlov,
Whitney and Niedermayer have led the way offensively for the
Panthers. In the past four games, Kozlov has six points (3G-3A),
Whitney five (3G-2A), and Niedermayer also five (2G-3A). Sean
Burke has been solid in net with a 3-0-1 record in his last four
starts while allowing only seven goals. For the record, Burke had
given up 24 goals in his six starts before the current
'goodtimes.'
When questioned about the Panthers recent up-swing, Sean Burke
had this to say. "The margin in games is so small, a little more
emotion can make all the difference."
Burke also commented on his current goaltending adventures.
"The last couple of times I've gone out with the idea of being
very aggressive. If I get beat, so be it. I didn't want to beat
myself. I wanted to play at the top of the crease, and be as
aggressive as I could."
Random Notes
A Pain in the @$$
Dino Ciccarelli has been a spark for the Panthers ever since he
returned five games ago, but unfortunately his battered body
hasn't had a chance to completely heal. "I'm sure I aggravated
the (back) injury," Ciccarelli remarked. "I don't want to go
through the whole season like this. Away from the rink, it's
pretty painful."
In the five games he played, Dino tallied five goals and one
assist. He is expected to be out 2-4 weeks.
Chris Wells Well
Chris Wells, C, skated with the team Monday for the first time
since March 25th. He is recovering from surgery he had eight
weeks ago to repair a hernia and expects to return to game action
in two to three weeks. After participating in half of a 65-minute
practice, he took the time to express himself in words. "It felt
good, but I didn't want to overdo it. It's just a matter of
getting back in shape and getting a feel for the game again. I
haven't played in nine or 10 months and it's almost like learning
the game over again.''
Out of Touch, Out of Time
Robert Svehla was suspended for Saturday's game after showing
up six minutes late to practice Friday. He was also fined a
small amount of money. Rhett Warrener played for Svehla, but
Svehla should be back in the lineup Wednesday. Unless, of course,
he's late.
