Rockin’ Like the Hurricanes

The Panthers’ Olympians have returned from Torino, and we’d like to congratulate the medalists. Center Olli Jokinen earned a silver medal for his native Finland in a 3-2 loss to Sweden, and left wing Rostislav Olesz’s Czech Republic team blanked Russia and snatched the bronze. While riding their Olympic high, the Florida Panthers set a new record for most goals on the road in a 8-2 rout over division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, February 28. An excellent showing, but at press time the Cats were still eight points behind eighth place Montreal in the Eastern Conference -- that’s eight points out of reach of the last playoff spot. If the Panthers want to blaze out of the bottom of the standings, they will have to turn on the heat when they play host (for two nights) to the conference leading Carolina Hurricanes. Watch the fire on the ice tonight and Saturday at 7:30 at the BankAtlantic Center, One Panther Pkwy., Sunrise. Tickets range from $20 to $250. Call 954-835-PUCK, or visit the redesigned and rockin’ new Website, www.flpanthers.com.
Fri., March 10