And I'm not gonna lie...this is now my favorite photo ever of José. I wish I could have the original file rather than having to use a screen capture. It's just astonishing how handsome he is...
Friday, September 30, 2011
Florida Panthers Media Guide
The 2011-12 Florida Panthers Media Guide is available at the Panthers' website at this link:
And I'm not gonna lie...this is now my favorite photo ever of José. I wish I could have the original file rather than having to use a screen capture. It's just astonishing how handsome he is...
And I'm not gonna lie...this is now my favorite photo ever of José. I wish I could have the original file rather than having to use a screen capture. It's just astonishing how handsome he is...
SunSentinel.com Article
Theodore not worried about preseason woes so don’t you
by: Harvey Fialkov
While I admit that Jose Theodore’s two preseason games left a lot to be desired and made me miss Tomas Vokoun, however, let’s not hit the panic button and remember a few things.
No. 1 Theodore hadn’t been in the nets in like five months before the Lightning game. No. 2 I was with the Panthers from 9:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. on this one-day road trip and I’m not surprised that they had no legs in the third period while the Stars were sitting at home. Not sure why the Panthers put them through this other than prepare them for back to backs or be in Texas conveniently to drop off their two cuts (Tyler Plante and Tim Kenedy) for the farm team who were in Austin awaiting to play the Texas Stars. Theodore has a proven track record and his numbers are astonishingly similar to Vokoun’s, except he won an MVP and Vezina – although it was 10 years ago. Also, several of his best forwards and defenseman were left at home. Here’s Theodore’s postgame thoughts on his slow start.
“It’s not a good way to end it and for me personally obviously I got to be better. It’s as simple as that. I’ve had training camps where I played well and had bad starts and the other way around. I’ve been around long enough so I know. It all boils down to – for my part – I got to be better.
He made nine saves in the scoreless first period before allowing three in the second and four in the third.
“It’s kind of funny, you look at the result I made some good saves but a couple of goals I should have. You take the positives out of the game; there were some really big saves out there but again I got to focus and play well for 60 minutes and I got to be better for these guys.”
I asked him what he had to do to rebuild his confidence?
“Confident-wise I’m pretty confident. Just use those days to work hard and usually if you practice hard and work ethic overcomes a lot of things and when you work on your practices that’s how you get your game going. I’m confident for the start of the season. I just think we need a big week of practice and I expect more out of myself and I’m going to practice hard.’’
The Rampage worked out goalie Manny Legace today. They may be shopping around for some veteran help if they’re not fully convinced that Jacob Markstrom is ready to back up Theodore.
by: Harvey Fialkov
While I admit that Jose Theodore’s two preseason games left a lot to be desired and made me miss Tomas Vokoun, however, let’s not hit the panic button and remember a few things.
No. 1 Theodore hadn’t been in the nets in like five months before the Lightning game. No. 2 I was with the Panthers from 9:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. on this one-day road trip and I’m not surprised that they had no legs in the third period while the Stars were sitting at home. Not sure why the Panthers put them through this other than prepare them for back to backs or be in Texas conveniently to drop off their two cuts (Tyler Plante and Tim Kenedy) for the farm team who were in Austin awaiting to play the Texas Stars. Theodore has a proven track record and his numbers are astonishingly similar to Vokoun’s, except he won an MVP and Vezina – although it was 10 years ago. Also, several of his best forwards and defenseman were left at home. Here’s Theodore’s postgame thoughts on his slow start.
“It’s not a good way to end it and for me personally obviously I got to be better. It’s as simple as that. I’ve had training camps where I played well and had bad starts and the other way around. I’ve been around long enough so I know. It all boils down to – for my part – I got to be better.
He made nine saves in the scoreless first period before allowing three in the second and four in the third.
“It’s kind of funny, you look at the result I made some good saves but a couple of goals I should have. You take the positives out of the game; there were some really big saves out there but again I got to focus and play well for 60 minutes and I got to be better for these guys.”
I asked him what he had to do to rebuild his confidence?
“Confident-wise I’m pretty confident. Just use those days to work hard and usually if you practice hard and work ethic overcomes a lot of things and when you work on your practices that’s how you get your game going. I’m confident for the start of the season. I just think we need a big week of practice and I expect more out of myself and I’m going to practice hard.’’
The Rampage worked out goalie Manny Legace today. They may be shopping around for some veteran help if they’re not fully convinced that Jacob Markstrom is ready to back up Theodore.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Coach Dineen's Comments Post-Game
Miami Herald article
Jose Theodore stopped his first 11 shots before giving up seven on his final 26.
"There were numerous things structurally that broke down,'' coach Kevin Dineen said. "We didn't have a lot of will. It adds up into exactly what happened: A pretty good tail kicking.''
On Theodore: "That's a tough training camp for him but that's why we have it. He needs to feel the puck, our systems. At the end of the day, a lot of our success early is going to ride on him.
"He's a guy who has been down these roads before. I believe in him. He can right this. This hasn't been fun for him, these past two games. Now he has to put on his work boots over the next eight games to get ready for opening night.
"That's what you do. When you are off, you go off, work and figure it out. The one that counts is the next one.''
Jose Theodore stopped his first 11 shots before giving up seven on his final 26.
"There were numerous things structurally that broke down,'' coach Kevin Dineen said. "We didn't have a lot of will. It adds up into exactly what happened: A pretty good tail kicking.''
On Theodore: "That's a tough training camp for him but that's why we have it. He needs to feel the puck, our systems. At the end of the day, a lot of our success early is going to ride on him.
"He's a guy who has been down these roads before. I believe in him. He can right this. This hasn't been fun for him, these past two games. Now he has to put on his work boots over the next eight games to get ready for opening night.
"That's what you do. When you are off, you go off, work and figure it out. The one that counts is the next one.''
Gamenight in Dallas (Lost 7-1)
José is in net tonight in Dallas for the last preseason game for the Panthers. But there is no TV feed, no stream, and no radio broadcast. The only information I'm getting is from NHL.com's boxscore and an online chat that isn't telling me anything and a few tweets.
It's scoreless after 1 period. Panthers lead in shots on goal by 12-9. There were two tweets by the Sun Sentinel writer saying that José had great saves a couple times. That's all I know.
After 2 the Panthers trail 3-1. José has faced 20 SOG.
He faced 37 SOG. I honestly can't comment on any of the game, because I could only follow tweets, and everyone was being really awful about him. I have no idea how the team played in front of him, because all they talked about was how many goals HE gave up.
It's scoreless after 1 period. Panthers lead in shots on goal by 12-9. There were two tweets by the Sun Sentinel writer saying that José had great saves a couple times. That's all I know.
After 2 the Panthers trail 3-1. José has faced 20 SOG.
He faced 37 SOG. I honestly can't comment on any of the game, because I could only follow tweets, and everyone was being really awful about him. I have no idea how the team played in front of him, because all they talked about was how many goals HE gave up.
Panthers' Goalie Situation Update
Here are a couple tweets from this morning. Plante is being sent down and Markstrom will stay up as José's backup.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
José to Play on Thursday in Dallas
I was glad to hear this. I'd like for him to get some more gametime before the season starts.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Markstrom and Plante in Net tonight
Regular season opener will be Saturday Oct. 8 against the NY Islanders. I'm sure José will start that one. I can't believe it's getting so close!! :o)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Photos from Sept. 24th Preseason Game
Check out these first 3...pretty awesome jumping skills by our goalie there...and the guy in the net cracks me up.
Clemmensen Undergoing Knee Sugery
José's back-up goalie has changed for the next month or so. Scott Clemmensen is undergoing minor knee surgery today, and they think he'll be out for about a month, but they aren't sure at this point. Speedy recovery to Scott, injuries suck.
http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=589899
Clemmensen Undergoes Knee Procedure, Opens Door For Young Netminders
by Carly Peters (formerly of Minnesota Wild fame. ;o)
The Florida Panthers announced that goalie Scott Clemmensen underwent minor surgery on his knee this morning at Doctors Hospital in Miami. In his talk with the media following practice, Panthers Head Coach Kevin Dineen reiterated that Clemmensen's surgery was a minor procedure and he's "very encouraged that [Clemmensen] is going to come back 100 percent healthy."
As for the time frame on Clemmensen's return, Dineen said "it could be anywhere up to a month" but admitted it was too early to have a clear timetable for the goalie's return to net.
"We think very highly of all the goaltenders in our organization and that's why losing Clemmer is a tough deal for us," said Dineen. "He's worked hard all summer and I know he's disappointed right now, but I know that the month of October will slide right by and he'll be back before we know it."
In confirming that Clemmensen's procedure was not on the knee he had surgery on earlier this year, Dineen noted that he himself just underwent the same procedure and he is already back on the ice for training camp.
"I had the same surgery three weeks ago. It was something, I was playing a lot of tennis and with the constant pounding, I needed a little cleaning up and I'm back on skates."
As for the suddenly-open, back-up goalie spot behind Jose Theodore, Dineen welcomes the challenge for some of the Cats' young goalies.
"I look at it as Mr. Opportunity is knocking on the door," said Dineen. "That opportunity will be given to [Tyler Plante] and [Jacob Markstrom] to scratch and claw and try to earn that right to stay here with the Panthers for the next stretch."
Markstrom and Plante both have the same mindset for the new opportunity that has presented itself.
"I want to play here; that's why I'm here," said Markstrom. When asked if there is a more immediate feeling to make the roster with Clemmensen's injury, he added, "Not really. I just went out there today to try to practice, try to focus and take it day-by-day."
"I don't think it changes anyone's mindset here at all," said Plante. "Whether spots are taken or not, every player comes to camp every year with the hopes and aspirations of playing for the big club. Everyone in this room has the same dreams so you just have to stay focused and take it day-by-day.
"Every day you're here is another special day. You work hard all summer to stay here as long as you possibly can. So, every day you're not getting a plane ticket down [to the AHL] is a day with a smile on your face."
http://panthers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=589899
Clemmensen Undergoes Knee Procedure, Opens Door For Young Netminders
by Carly Peters (formerly of Minnesota Wild fame. ;o)
The Florida Panthers announced that goalie Scott Clemmensen underwent minor surgery on his knee this morning at Doctors Hospital in Miami. In his talk with the media following practice, Panthers Head Coach Kevin Dineen reiterated that Clemmensen's surgery was a minor procedure and he's "very encouraged that [Clemmensen] is going to come back 100 percent healthy."
As for the time frame on Clemmensen's return, Dineen said "it could be anywhere up to a month" but admitted it was too early to have a clear timetable for the goalie's return to net.
"We think very highly of all the goaltenders in our organization and that's why losing Clemmer is a tough deal for us," said Dineen. "He's worked hard all summer and I know he's disappointed right now, but I know that the month of October will slide right by and he'll be back before we know it."
In confirming that Clemmensen's procedure was not on the knee he had surgery on earlier this year, Dineen noted that he himself just underwent the same procedure and he is already back on the ice for training camp.
"I had the same surgery three weeks ago. It was something, I was playing a lot of tennis and with the constant pounding, I needed a little cleaning up and I'm back on skates."
As for the suddenly-open, back-up goalie spot behind Jose Theodore, Dineen welcomes the challenge for some of the Cats' young goalies.
"I look at it as Mr. Opportunity is knocking on the door," said Dineen. "That opportunity will be given to [Tyler Plante] and [Jacob Markstrom] to scratch and claw and try to earn that right to stay here with the Panthers for the next stretch."
Markstrom and Plante both have the same mindset for the new opportunity that has presented itself.
"I want to play here; that's why I'm here," said Markstrom. When asked if there is a more immediate feeling to make the roster with Clemmensen's injury, he added, "Not really. I just went out there today to try to practice, try to focus and take it day-by-day."
"I don't think it changes anyone's mindset here at all," said Plante. "Whether spots are taken or not, every player comes to camp every year with the hopes and aspirations of playing for the big club. Everyone in this room has the same dreams so you just have to stay focused and take it day-by-day.
"Every day you're here is another special day. You work hard all summer to stay here as long as you possibly can. So, every day you're not getting a plane ticket down [to the AHL] is a day with a smile on your face."
Saturday, September 24, 2011
On Frozen Pond's take on the game
From On Frozen Pond (The Miami Herald's Panthers blog by George Richards)
Tampa Bay Lightning Score Late and Score Often, Beat Panthers 5-3
They may not have been wearing their new red jerseys, but the new-look Florida Panthers were, for the most part, finally on the ice together under game conditions on Saturday night.
The Panthers, who are saving their new duds for the Oct. 15 home opener, played most of their expected starters in the fourth exhibition game of the preseason.
Despite playing against a watered-down Tampa Bay team, the Panthers gave up three goals in the third period and lost 5-3 at BankAtlantic Center.
With the score tied 3-3, Tampa Bay scored twice within a span of nine seconds to put the game away with just over five minutes remaining.
“We had half a dozen bodies in which that was their first game,'' first-year coach Kevin Dineen said. “I'm not big on making excuses, but fatigue played a factor. We also had a little chemistry issues. When things got frantic, we failed to settle down and right things.''
Making their preseason debut for the Panthers: Goalie Jose Theodore, defenseman Ed Jovanovski, winger Kris Versteeg, center Stephen Weiss, winger Tomas Fleischmann and winger Tomas Kopecky.
The Lightning had emerging superstar Steven Stamkos in the lineup for the second straight night (the Lightning beat Florida's 'B-squad' 5-2 in Tampa on Friday) but that was about it.
For Jovanovski, it was his first game at the Sunrise representing the Panthers since Florida beat the visiting Islanders 1-0 on January 16, 1999. Jovanovski was traded to Vancouver the following day as part of the blockbuster Pavel Bure deal.
“It was good, good to get into a game,'' said Jovanovski, whom Florida made the first pick of the 1994 draft.
Theodore, who hadn't taken a shot under a game situation since April 10 as a member of the Minnesota Wild, gave up a quick goal to Pavel Kubina 1:29 into the game. Kubina whipped off a shot from 25 feet away, the puck getting under Theodore's arm for a 1-0 Lightning lead. Weiss was in the penalty box for goalie interference just 32 seconds in.
Although he seemed to settle in, the third period was not good for Theodore as Tom Pyatt, Mattias Ritola and Teddy Purcell all scored. Purcell's goal, which came moments after Ritola gave Tampa Bay the lead, clipped Theodore in the helmet and bounced into the net.
Theodore, who signed a two-year deal with the Panthers worth $3 million on July 1, gave up three goals on 12 third period shots.
Florida is 1-3 this preseason with two games against Dallas remaining.
“I thought he played some pretty good hockey,'' Dineen said of Theodore, who enters his 15th NHL season after stints with Montreal, Colorado, Washington and Minnesota.
“He didn't have a shot at a few of those. There were some coverage issues as we went down the stretch. He's not happy when he gives up five goals, but for the first time playing in five months, it was OK.''
The Panthers got two quick goals in the second, with Versteeg and Kopecky scoring less than a minute apart to give Florida a 3-1 lead early in the period. Tampa Bay came back, scoring on a 5-on-3 opportunity when Brett Connolly camped out in front of the net and took a nice feed from Ryan Shannon for the easy goal midway through the period.
Tampa Bay failed to tie the score later in the period when Carter Ashton's penalty shot hit the crossbar. Rookie Erik Gudbranson, who was cooling his heels in the penalty box with Jovanovski during the Lightning's 5-on-3 chance, was called for tripping Ashton on the breakaway.
Tampa Bay Lightning Score Late and Score Often, Beat Panthers 5-3
They may not have been wearing their new red jerseys, but the new-look Florida Panthers were, for the most part, finally on the ice together under game conditions on Saturday night.
The Panthers, who are saving their new duds for the Oct. 15 home opener, played most of their expected starters in the fourth exhibition game of the preseason.
Despite playing against a watered-down Tampa Bay team, the Panthers gave up three goals in the third period and lost 5-3 at BankAtlantic Center.
With the score tied 3-3, Tampa Bay scored twice within a span of nine seconds to put the game away with just over five minutes remaining.
“We had half a dozen bodies in which that was their first game,'' first-year coach Kevin Dineen said. “I'm not big on making excuses, but fatigue played a factor. We also had a little chemistry issues. When things got frantic, we failed to settle down and right things.''
Making their preseason debut for the Panthers: Goalie Jose Theodore, defenseman Ed Jovanovski, winger Kris Versteeg, center Stephen Weiss, winger Tomas Fleischmann and winger Tomas Kopecky.
The Lightning had emerging superstar Steven Stamkos in the lineup for the second straight night (the Lightning beat Florida's 'B-squad' 5-2 in Tampa on Friday) but that was about it.
For Jovanovski, it was his first game at the Sunrise representing the Panthers since Florida beat the visiting Islanders 1-0 on January 16, 1999. Jovanovski was traded to Vancouver the following day as part of the blockbuster Pavel Bure deal.
“It was good, good to get into a game,'' said Jovanovski, whom Florida made the first pick of the 1994 draft.
Theodore, who hadn't taken a shot under a game situation since April 10 as a member of the Minnesota Wild, gave up a quick goal to Pavel Kubina 1:29 into the game. Kubina whipped off a shot from 25 feet away, the puck getting under Theodore's arm for a 1-0 Lightning lead. Weiss was in the penalty box for goalie interference just 32 seconds in.
Although he seemed to settle in, the third period was not good for Theodore as Tom Pyatt, Mattias Ritola and Teddy Purcell all scored. Purcell's goal, which came moments after Ritola gave Tampa Bay the lead, clipped Theodore in the helmet and bounced into the net.
Theodore, who signed a two-year deal with the Panthers worth $3 million on July 1, gave up three goals on 12 third period shots.
Florida is 1-3 this preseason with two games against Dallas remaining.
“I thought he played some pretty good hockey,'' Dineen said of Theodore, who enters his 15th NHL season after stints with Montreal, Colorado, Washington and Minnesota.
“He didn't have a shot at a few of those. There were some coverage issues as we went down the stretch. He's not happy when he gives up five goals, but for the first time playing in five months, it was OK.''
The Panthers got two quick goals in the second, with Versteeg and Kopecky scoring less than a minute apart to give Florida a 3-1 lead early in the period. Tampa Bay came back, scoring on a 5-on-3 opportunity when Brett Connolly camped out in front of the net and took a nice feed from Ryan Shannon for the easy goal midway through the period.
Tampa Bay failed to tie the score later in the period when Carter Ashton's penalty shot hit the crossbar. Rookie Erik Gudbranson, who was cooling his heels in the penalty box with Jovanovski during the Lightning's 5-on-3 chance, was called for tripping Ashton on the breakaway.
Article from SunSentinel.com
This is how Sun Sentinel writer, Harvey Fialkov, saw the game (and I will not comment.)
SUNRISE — While the Panthers clearly bolstered their offense and defense with offseason acquisitions of established NHL veterans, many hockey analysts have questioned whether they got weaker in net, inarguably the most important position on the ice.
After a shaky start and even worse finish Saturday night in his Panthers’ debut, goalie Jose Theodore, the heir apparent to Tomas Vokoun, won’t silence the hometown boo-birds yet after allowing two power-play goals early and three more in the third period in a 5-3 loss against the Lightning ‘B’ squad at BankAtlantic Center.
Theodore, 35, certainly was tested by the Eastern Conference finalists, who had downed the Panthers 5-2 Friday in Tampa. Although he gave up a soft goal just 1:29 in by Pavel Kubina, Theodore stopped a penalty shot by Carter Ashton that clanged off the crossbar in the middle frame, helping the Panthers take a 3-2 lead into the third period.
However, five minutes after a Tom Pyatt goal at 9:01, the Lightning struck nine seconds apart on tallies by Mattias Ritola and Teddy Purcell – who collided with Theodore on his follow-through.
“They started attacking us on speed and got us back on our heels. It’s a good lesson to learn,’’ said defenseman Ed Jovanovski in his first preseason game. “My legs felt a little bit heavy.’’
Similar to his Capitals’ days, Theodore was the beneficiary of a well-oiled offense. David Booth, skating in midseason form, tied it at 1-1 in the first on a spectacular breakaway goal.
The Panthers then scored two even-strength goals within 41 seconds in the second, the first coming on a sweet set-up on the doorstep from Tim Kennedy to Tomas Kopecky. Then Stephen Weiss fed Kris Versteeg, making their first appearance of the preseason, at the top of the left faceoff circle where he buried a slap shot past Mathieu Garon.
“You try to make sure you don’t give up those bad goals and give your team a chance to win,’’ Theodore said Friday. “I’ve been in situations with Washington where we’re scoring a lot of goals and I’ve been in Minnesota and Montreal where we didn’t score a lot of goals.
“It’s about making sure you make that next big save, always the next one.’’
Theodore had 25 saves, but was unable to make the, “next one,’’ when he needed to.
“I didn’t think he had much of a chance on a few of those,’’ coach Kevin Dineen said. “A slap shot through three bodies on the first one, some coverage issues as we went down the stretch.
“I don’t think he’s happy anytime you give up five goals, but I thought he had a pretty good showing for the first time in five months.’’
SUNRISE — While the Panthers clearly bolstered their offense and defense with offseason acquisitions of established NHL veterans, many hockey analysts have questioned whether they got weaker in net, inarguably the most important position on the ice.
After a shaky start and even worse finish Saturday night in his Panthers’ debut, goalie Jose Theodore, the heir apparent to Tomas Vokoun, won’t silence the hometown boo-birds yet after allowing two power-play goals early and three more in the third period in a 5-3 loss against the Lightning ‘B’ squad at BankAtlantic Center.
Theodore, 35, certainly was tested by the Eastern Conference finalists, who had downed the Panthers 5-2 Friday in Tampa. Although he gave up a soft goal just 1:29 in by Pavel Kubina, Theodore stopped a penalty shot by Carter Ashton that clanged off the crossbar in the middle frame, helping the Panthers take a 3-2 lead into the third period.
However, five minutes after a Tom Pyatt goal at 9:01, the Lightning struck nine seconds apart on tallies by Mattias Ritola and Teddy Purcell – who collided with Theodore on his follow-through.
“They started attacking us on speed and got us back on our heels. It’s a good lesson to learn,’’ said defenseman Ed Jovanovski in his first preseason game. “My legs felt a little bit heavy.’’
Similar to his Capitals’ days, Theodore was the beneficiary of a well-oiled offense. David Booth, skating in midseason form, tied it at 1-1 in the first on a spectacular breakaway goal.
The Panthers then scored two even-strength goals within 41 seconds in the second, the first coming on a sweet set-up on the doorstep from Tim Kennedy to Tomas Kopecky. Then Stephen Weiss fed Kris Versteeg, making their first appearance of the preseason, at the top of the left faceoff circle where he buried a slap shot past Mathieu Garon.
“You try to make sure you don’t give up those bad goals and give your team a chance to win,’’ Theodore said Friday. “I’ve been in situations with Washington where we’re scoring a lot of goals and I’ve been in Minnesota and Montreal where we didn’t score a lot of goals.
“It’s about making sure you make that next big save, always the next one.’’
Theodore had 25 saves, but was unable to make the, “next one,’’ when he needed to.
“I didn’t think he had much of a chance on a few of those,’’ coach Kevin Dineen said. “A slap shot through three bodies on the first one, some coverage issues as we went down the stretch.
“I don’t think he’s happy anytime you give up five goals, but I thought he had a pretty good showing for the first time in five months.’’
José Debut as a Panther (Preseason though it is)
The Panthers play the Lightning tonight...in 5 minutes. I'm listening on the radio, because it's not being televised. Here's the feed I'm listening to...it's the Lightning radio network. http://www.620wdae.com/mediaplayer/
And guess what? They finally updated their headshots on the Panthers site. Check him out!! Loving the hair and the tan. ♥
And guess what? They finally updated their headshots on the Panthers site. Check him out!! Loving the hair and the tan. ♥
Panthers/Lightning are tied at 1-1 after Period 1.
José saved 6 of 7 SOG. I can't see anything going on, but from what I'm hearing, I feel good about it, since it's his first game since APRIL!! One goal? That's all? I'm proud of him.
After 2, the Panthers lead 3-2. The 2nd Lightning goal was also a PPG, and in fact was 5-3. José fought off a couple different shots on the 5-3 until that one squeaked through. I think he's doing great, from what I can hear. Panthers are doing ok, but didn't score on their PPs, so that's not good. I'm thinking David Booth is definitely a top player.
This was a penalty shot that José faced. It went off the crossbar. No goal.
The Panthers lost 5-3. He ended up facing 30 shots. 3 of the goals were in the last period. I can't comment on the goals, because I was having to listen to the Lightning commentator, and I'm not really sure what happened. I'm sure José would rather not have given up 5, but I think it was a perfectly fine game for his first since April, with a new team. A group of guys that haven't played together before except for practice. Soon they'll be down to the final team, and they can start gelling and getting in a groove. I'm so glad that first game is under his belt.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Article Over at ESPN.com
Perspective on the Side of Theodore
by Scott Burnside
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- It would seem that the skepticism surrounding Jose Theodore's ability to lead the Florida Panthers out of the hockey wilderness is in opposite but equal measure to the confidence the veteran goaltender has that he can get the job done.
From the outside there remains, at best, a wait-and-see attitude with the new-look Panthers. At worst, there is dismissiveness.
One top Canadian columnist referred to the Panthers as the “floor lickers,” a reference to this summer’s spending spree by GM Dale Tallon in which critics said was merely an exercise in meeting the minimum requirements of the salary cap.
But regardless of the position, most will agree that the Panthers’ ability to make a surprise -- some would insist miraculous -- appearance in the playoffs next spring will hinge on whether Theodore has still got it.
Standing next to him in the Panthers’ locker room at their training facility, we get no sense of angst or aggravation at what the outside world may be saying about him.
When you are 35 years old and have won a Hart Trophy and a Vezina Trophy, and have been traded and discarded and, perhaps, more to the point, have endured the tragic loss of a son, you gain perspective.
There is always pressure when you come to a new team, Theodore told ESPN.com. But it’s different than when you’re a young player and you’re trying to establish yourself.
“Now you know what to expect. You’ve proven that you can play and you want to play well,” Theodore said. “I’m not playing to prove anything to anybody but myself and my teammates.”
People can say what they want. They can think what they want. But Theodore isn’t about to engage in any debate one way or another. Neither does he particularly need to use it as motivation.
“I think that brings a negative energy when you start thinking about who you have to please,” he said.
Here is the thing that’s more than a little mystifying:
Theodore went 15-11-3 with a .916 save percentage for a pretty average Minnesota Wild team last season, playing well when starter Niklas Backstrom was injured. The two previous years, he won 62 games for the Washington Capitals, going 30-7-7 in 2009-10. During his final 24 starts during that season, Theodore did not lose in regulation (he did get pulled in one game and Semyon Varlamov took the loss).
Theodore said he enjoyed his experience in Minnesota and felt it proved he was still capable of stepping into a No. 1 netminder’s role.
Obviously Florida GM Dale Tallon felt the same way and when it became clear Tomas Vokoun was going to test the free agent waters on July 1. Tallon made a quick call to Theodore’s agents.
“They called right away,” Theodore said.
When the netminder heard Tallon’s plans for this team and saw the mix of youth and skill that was being assembled, Theodore signed a two-year deal worth $3 million total.
“As a player you want to be part of that. I was really excited,” he said.
“With all the new faces we know what it takes.”
Florida goaltending coach Robb Tallas recalls facing Theodore in his first exhibition game when Tallas was in Boston and Theodore about to become the darling of Montreal with the hometown Habs.
“I know a lot about him,” Tallas said. And after the Panthers signed Theodore, Tallas went back and began going over Theodore’s game tapes.
Tallas agrees that in some way Theodore’s play the past few years has been under the radar. Playing in a wide-open system in Washington, Theodore faced a lot of quality scoring chances and still put up good numbers.
“He’s a guy that wants to win in the third period,” Tallas said.
Whether you’re up a goal or down a goal in the crucial moments, Theodore thrives on those critical situations, he said.
“And that’s not something you really teach.”
Florida winger Matt Bradley played with Theodore in Washington and thinks the veteran netminder is the right guy for this renovated Panthers squad.
“To me, he’s one of the top goalies in the league,” Bradley told ESPN.com. “He doesn’t get rattled by things. I love playing with Jose,” he said.
In the summer of 2009, Theodore lost his infant son, Chace, who was born prematurely in Washington. He returned and found solace at the rink and in the routines of the game.
He remains at peace with his own game and where his career has been -- and where it’s taking him.
What he has gone through “reminds you that the most important thing is to be healthy and to be with the people you love,” he said.
“I was always a guy that stayed positive. But these things make you realize we’re playing a game.”
by Scott Burnside
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- It would seem that the skepticism surrounding Jose Theodore's ability to lead the Florida Panthers out of the hockey wilderness is in opposite but equal measure to the confidence the veteran goaltender has that he can get the job done.
From the outside there remains, at best, a wait-and-see attitude with the new-look Panthers. At worst, there is dismissiveness.
One top Canadian columnist referred to the Panthers as the “floor lickers,” a reference to this summer’s spending spree by GM Dale Tallon in which critics said was merely an exercise in meeting the minimum requirements of the salary cap.
But regardless of the position, most will agree that the Panthers’ ability to make a surprise -- some would insist miraculous -- appearance in the playoffs next spring will hinge on whether Theodore has still got it.
Standing next to him in the Panthers’ locker room at their training facility, we get no sense of angst or aggravation at what the outside world may be saying about him.
When you are 35 years old and have won a Hart Trophy and a Vezina Trophy, and have been traded and discarded and, perhaps, more to the point, have endured the tragic loss of a son, you gain perspective.
There is always pressure when you come to a new team, Theodore told ESPN.com. But it’s different than when you’re a young player and you’re trying to establish yourself.
“Now you know what to expect. You’ve proven that you can play and you want to play well,” Theodore said. “I’m not playing to prove anything to anybody but myself and my teammates.”
People can say what they want. They can think what they want. But Theodore isn’t about to engage in any debate one way or another. Neither does he particularly need to use it as motivation.
“I think that brings a negative energy when you start thinking about who you have to please,” he said.
Here is the thing that’s more than a little mystifying:
Theodore went 15-11-3 with a .916 save percentage for a pretty average Minnesota Wild team last season, playing well when starter Niklas Backstrom was injured. The two previous years, he won 62 games for the Washington Capitals, going 30-7-7 in 2009-10. During his final 24 starts during that season, Theodore did not lose in regulation (he did get pulled in one game and Semyon Varlamov took the loss).
Theodore said he enjoyed his experience in Minnesota and felt it proved he was still capable of stepping into a No. 1 netminder’s role.
Obviously Florida GM Dale Tallon felt the same way and when it became clear Tomas Vokoun was going to test the free agent waters on July 1. Tallon made a quick call to Theodore’s agents.
“They called right away,” Theodore said.
When the netminder heard Tallon’s plans for this team and saw the mix of youth and skill that was being assembled, Theodore signed a two-year deal worth $3 million total.
“As a player you want to be part of that. I was really excited,” he said.
“With all the new faces we know what it takes.”
Florida goaltending coach Robb Tallas recalls facing Theodore in his first exhibition game when Tallas was in Boston and Theodore about to become the darling of Montreal with the hometown Habs.
“I know a lot about him,” Tallas said. And after the Panthers signed Theodore, Tallas went back and began going over Theodore’s game tapes.
Tallas agrees that in some way Theodore’s play the past few years has been under the radar. Playing in a wide-open system in Washington, Theodore faced a lot of quality scoring chances and still put up good numbers.
“He’s a guy that wants to win in the third period,” Tallas said.
Whether you’re up a goal or down a goal in the crucial moments, Theodore thrives on those critical situations, he said.
“And that’s not something you really teach.”
Florida winger Matt Bradley played with Theodore in Washington and thinks the veteran netminder is the right guy for this renovated Panthers squad.
“To me, he’s one of the top goalies in the league,” Bradley told ESPN.com. “He doesn’t get rattled by things. I love playing with Jose,” he said.
In the summer of 2009, Theodore lost his infant son, Chace, who was born prematurely in Washington. He returned and found solace at the rink and in the routines of the game.
He remains at peace with his own game and where his career has been -- and where it’s taking him.
What he has gone through “reminds you that the most important thing is to be healthy and to be with the people you love,” he said.
“I was always a guy that stayed positive. But these things make you realize we’re playing a game.”
A Few Seconds of José on Video Signing Autographs
I realized I hadn't actually provided the link to the On the Fly report from Hockey Day where some of the Panthers (including José) signed autographs for fans. This was from Monday, and you can see him briefly at the table signing.
http://video.panthers.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=723&id=124172
With Tomas Fleischmann
http://video.panthers.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=723&id=124172
With Tomas Fleischmann
Showing how long his hair is getting in the back. :o)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Update from training camp
I realized I hadn't updated in the past couple days. Shame on me.
José did not play in either of the preseason games with Nashville, and he won't be playing in Friday's game in Tampa for sure. I'd say he also won't be playing in the home game against Tampa on Saturday either, but I don't know that for sure. The coach says he's wanting to let the young guys play as much as possible before they're sent back down.
This was from the Florida Panthers beat writer in his blog, On Frozen Pond: With rookie Brian Foster off to minor league camp, the Panthers have four goalies left in camp with four preseason games left. Rookies Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Plante may see time in Florida’s home-and-home series with Tampa Bay this weekend before heading to San Antonio for AHL camp. Then its just Clemmensen and José Theodore to finish things out next week against Dallas.
“I want to see Clemmensen get two games and we’ll give [Markstrom] a game in Tampa,” Dineen said. “Sometimes it’s not fair to the second guy in splitting going in. It’s also not fair sometimes to pull the starter after he’s gotten into the rhythm of the game.”
So I'm wondering if José's playing time won't come until the Dallas games.
A writer for the Sun Sentinel told me on twitter today that one of their writers talked to José yesterday and he said he only needs one game to be ready. He also said José was a really nice guy. Of course we already knew that.
The On the Fly reporter, Caitlin, also got to sit down with José today for his JetBlue player profile. She said it would probably be up on the Panthers' website tomorrow. She tweeted that "He was great! So down to earth."
He makes me so proud to be his fan!!
José did not play in either of the preseason games with Nashville, and he won't be playing in Friday's game in Tampa for sure. I'd say he also won't be playing in the home game against Tampa on Saturday either, but I don't know that for sure. The coach says he's wanting to let the young guys play as much as possible before they're sent back down.
This was from the Florida Panthers beat writer in his blog, On Frozen Pond: With rookie Brian Foster off to minor league camp, the Panthers have four goalies left in camp with four preseason games left. Rookies Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Plante may see time in Florida’s home-and-home series with Tampa Bay this weekend before heading to San Antonio for AHL camp. Then its just Clemmensen and José Theodore to finish things out next week against Dallas.
“I want to see Clemmensen get two games and we’ll give [Markstrom] a game in Tampa,” Dineen said. “Sometimes it’s not fair to the second guy in splitting going in. It’s also not fair sometimes to pull the starter after he’s gotten into the rhythm of the game.”
So I'm wondering if José's playing time won't come until the Dallas games.
A writer for the Sun Sentinel told me on twitter today that one of their writers talked to José yesterday and he said he only needs one game to be ready. He also said José was a really nice guy. Of course we already knew that.
The On the Fly reporter, Caitlin, also got to sit down with José today for his JetBlue player profile. She said it would probably be up on the Panthers' website tomorrow. She tweeted that "He was great! So down to earth."
He makes me so proud to be his fan!!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A few more photos
Lovely Panthers/José fans on tumblr have been very generous with the photos they took of him during practices and autograph signing.
Thanks to "igotkuli" for sending me these practice photos from Sept. 17th.
Thanks to "igotkuli" for sending me these practice photos from Sept. 17th.
And thanks to "nellyxben" for sharing these from the autograph signing. Loving the long hair!
Monday, September 19, 2011
José Signed Autographs Before the Game
From the Florida Panthers twitter. This was before the 3:00 game.
He's definitely letting his hair grow. I'm still waiting for the infamous headshot...will it be good this year?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
José will not be in action Monday
Since this is pre-season, and the coaches are trying to figure out who to keep on the roster, some of the ones that are certain aren't playing in the doubleheader against Nashville on Monday.
Game 1 is at 3:00, and the goalies are Foster/Plante.
Game 2 is at 7:30, and the goalies are Clemmensen/Markstrom
This makes me feel good, because it shows José is FOR SURE considered the #1 guy. :o) That feels good after last season.
Others not in lineup: Weiss, Jovanovski, Howden, Ellerby, Fleischmann, Matthias, Versteeg, Weaver, Comrie, Kopecky.
Here are a couple more photos from yesterday's practice from Litter Box Cats.
Game 1 is at 3:00, and the goalies are Foster/Plante.
Game 2 is at 7:30, and the goalies are Clemmensen/Markstrom
This makes me feel good, because it shows José is FOR SURE considered the #1 guy. :o) That feels good after last season.
Others not in lineup: Weiss, Jovanovski, Howden, Ellerby, Fleischmann, Matthias, Versteeg, Weaver, Comrie, Kopecky.
Here are a couple more photos from yesterday's practice from Litter Box Cats.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A Few Seconds of José in Action Today
And when I say a few seconds, I mean just that, a few seconds. This was the "On the Fly" reporter giving us a look at training camp. And you can see José right around the 00:18 mark for just a couple seconds. But it's him. You can see his mask and part of his number. All the other times they showed goalies, it was the other guys. Here's hoping they show more of him tomorrow.
http://youtu.be/jrgat9-x2jE
And I was told there will be a player profile of him done sometime next week by the "On the Fly" team. Believe me, I'll post it as soon as it's available.
http://youtu.be/jrgat9-x2jE
And I was told there will be a player profile of him done sometime next week by the "On the Fly" team. Believe me, I'll post it as soon as it's available.
Fox Sports Florida Interview (From July)
I've been checking Fox Sports Florida's website yesterday and today hoping to see a new José interview or something from Media Day or camp. But nothing yet. But I did find one from back in July when they introduced all the new players. It's pretty much the same material as other interviews from that day, but I don't remember this camera angle, so I think it's a different one from the ones I posted back then. I can't believe I forgot to check here.
Remember the interviews don't stay up forever on Fox Sports websites, so I lost some of the ones from last season. But now I have a program to record streaming videos, so I have this one saved to my computer for when it disappears from the website.
http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/pages/video?UUID=1b353311-a458-467a-9ccc-ce769bc17e5d
Remember the interviews don't stay up forever on Fox Sports websites, so I lost some of the ones from last season. But now I have a program to record streaming videos, so I have this one saved to my computer for when it disappears from the website.
http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/pages/video?UUID=1b353311-a458-467a-9ccc-ce769bc17e5d
Friday, September 16, 2011
Panthers Look Fierce On Day One Of Training Camp
This article was on the Panthers' website, explaining what the guys did today.
Friday, 09.16.2011 / 2:11 PM
Panthers had a busy day running from room to room on a tight schedule to complete their medical exam, still and video media head shots, marketing shots, and Fox Sports Florida video clips.
After their medical players cracked a smile for their media headshot, posed in various outfits in multiple stances for game presentation clips and “saw red” during their marketing shoot.
Finally, dressed in pads, jersey, helmet, gloves and with their stick in-hand, players were directed to look “fierce” as they lifted their heads in slow motion to glare at the camera and say, “You’re watching Panthers Hockey on Fox Sports Florida.”
Between sessions, veteran Stephen Weiss took some time out to talk about the day.
“I’m used to them now, I’ve been to a few training camps so I enjoy them now,” said Weiss. “It’s nice to come and see all the doctors that you haven’t seen all summer and all the guys and bang it out.”
Rookie Erik Gudbranson held his own among the chaos of today.
“Yeah, it’s good, it’s kind of fun,” said Gudbranson. “It’s fun to see the guys, they all get in and they all say different things. If you go in it stressed, you’re going to look stressed on camera. I think most of the players just have fun with it.”
After finishing his last session, veteran Jack Skille agreed with Gudbranson’s assessment of the day and having fun with it.
“I don’t find it stressful one bit,” said Skille. “I see it as a new start, a new year, I don’t think this day could come any sooner.”
Training camp hits the ice tomorrow, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs, Fla.
2011 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Sept. 17 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept. 18 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept. 19 – Preseason Game # 1 vs. Nashville 3 p.m.; Preseason Game # 2 vs. Nashville 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – 22 – Daily Practices 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 23 – Preseason Game #3 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Sept 24 – Preseason Game #4 vs. Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Sept 25 – Day Off
Sept 26 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 27 – Preseason Game #5 vs. Dallas 7:30 p.m.
Sept 28 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 29 – Preseason Game #6 @ Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Sept 30 – Oct 1 – Practice 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, 09.16.2011 / 2:11 PM
Florida Panthers
by Stephanie Hew, University of Miami
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – The Florida Panthers 57-man training camp began Friday, Sept. 16 at the Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs, Fla. with medical testing and a variety of media sessions. Panthers had a busy day running from room to room on a tight schedule to complete their medical exam, still and video media head shots, marketing shots, and Fox Sports Florida video clips.
After their medical players cracked a smile for their media headshot, posed in various outfits in multiple stances for game presentation clips and “saw red” during their marketing shoot.
Finally, dressed in pads, jersey, helmet, gloves and with their stick in-hand, players were directed to look “fierce” as they lifted their heads in slow motion to glare at the camera and say, “You’re watching Panthers Hockey on Fox Sports Florida.”
Between sessions, veteran Stephen Weiss took some time out to talk about the day.
“I’m used to them now, I’ve been to a few training camps so I enjoy them now,” said Weiss. “It’s nice to come and see all the doctors that you haven’t seen all summer and all the guys and bang it out.”
Rookie Erik Gudbranson held his own among the chaos of today.
“Yeah, it’s good, it’s kind of fun,” said Gudbranson. “It’s fun to see the guys, they all get in and they all say different things. If you go in it stressed, you’re going to look stressed on camera. I think most of the players just have fun with it.”
After finishing his last session, veteran Jack Skille agreed with Gudbranson’s assessment of the day and having fun with it.
“I don’t find it stressful one bit,” said Skille. “I see it as a new start, a new year, I don’t think this day could come any sooner.”
Training camp hits the ice tomorrow, Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs, Fla.
2011 TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
Sept. 17 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept. 18 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept. 19 – Preseason Game # 1 vs. Nashville 3 p.m.; Preseason Game # 2 vs. Nashville 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – 22 – Daily Practices 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 23 – Preseason Game #3 @ Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Sept 24 – Preseason Game #4 vs. Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Sept 25 – Day Off
Sept 26 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 27 – Preseason Game #5 vs. Dallas 7:30 p.m.
Sept 28 – Practice 9 a.m. – Noon.
Sept 29 – Preseason Game #6 @ Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Sept 30 – Oct 1 – Practice 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Today was Physicals and Photos Day
The beginning of training camp today..."Players will report at the team's training facility in Coral Springs on Friday morning for physicals and meetings with the new coaching staff."
They took photos as well. I've seen some snapshots on Facebook and twitter, but none of José.
There are 57 men on the training camp roster, and they will be using all 3 sheets of ice on Saturday morning for practices. They will begin cuts after the preseason games against Nashville on Monday.
PANTHERS 2011 TRAINING CAMP
At Saveology.com IcePlex, Coral Springs
Saturday -- On-ice training, 9-10:15 a.m.; Practice (two sheets), 10:30-12:40 p.m.
They took photos as well. I've seen some snapshots on Facebook and twitter, but none of José.
There are 57 men on the training camp roster, and they will be using all 3 sheets of ice on Saturday morning for practices. They will begin cuts after the preseason games against Nashville on Monday.
PANTHERS 2011 TRAINING CAMP
At Saveology.com IcePlex, Coral Springs
Saturday -- On-ice training, 9-10:15 a.m.; Practice (two sheets), 10:30-12:40 p.m.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Just in Case You Didn't Know...
I'm sure no one else is counting down the minutes to the upcoming season like I am (haha), so you might not realize the timeline. ;o)
Training camp officially starts this Saturday, Sept. 17th. José has been practicing with other Panthers for a couple weeks now (or longer? I forget), but Saturday will be the official beginning with the whole team.
Then preseason games begin on Monday, the 19th. They will play 2 games in Florida that day against Nashville, one at 3:00 EST and the other at 7:30, so I'm sure José will start one of them (the first, probably) and Clemmensen the other game.
Then they'll play Friday the 23rd in Tampa Bay, 7:30 EST. Saturday the 24th against Tampa again, but this time a home game, 7:30. Dallas will come to town Tuesday the 27th, also at 7:30. Then they will travel to Dallas on Thursday the 29th and play at 8:30 EST.
Here's the Panthers' website where you can find their whole schedule. I already have mine printed out and hanging on the wall right by my couch here. ;o)
Training camp officially starts this Saturday, Sept. 17th. José has been practicing with other Panthers for a couple weeks now (or longer? I forget), but Saturday will be the official beginning with the whole team.
Then preseason games begin on Monday, the 19th. They will play 2 games in Florida that day against Nashville, one at 3:00 EST and the other at 7:30, so I'm sure José will start one of them (the first, probably) and Clemmensen the other game.
Then they'll play Friday the 23rd in Tampa Bay, 7:30 EST. Saturday the 24th against Tampa again, but this time a home game, 7:30. Dallas will come to town Tuesday the 27th, also at 7:30. Then they will travel to Dallas on Thursday the 29th and play at 8:30 EST.
Here's the Panthers' website where you can find their whole schedule. I already have mine printed out and hanging on the wall right by my couch here. ;o)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Happy 35th Birthday to José!!!
35 years ago today the world was blessed with a baby boy that would grow up to be a beautiful man and a fantastic goalie. Let's celebrate!! :o)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
José's Appearance on Fort Boyard TV Show
Is anyone familiar with the TV series, Fort Boyard? I doubt many of my followers in the U.S. are, because I haven’t heard of it at all. But I ran across something about it tonight, and it seems that José made an appearance on this show, possibly in 1997?
Wikipedia tells me it started in 1990 as a French game show, but that has been remade around the world.
It was set and filmed on the real Fort Boyard in France, and the contestants have to complete challenges to win prize money. It tends to focus mainly on physical and endurance challenges. And it said since 1997 it was mostly celebrities that participated.
I actually found a YouTube video that showed one small clip of the show that it looked like José was in.
I’ll post some screen captures, then the video link. It focused on the female in the group, and she was mud wrestling, but he was shown before and afterwards congratulating her.
I’m assuming they did these shows in other places besides Fort Boyard, this one is called “Fort Boyard Québec 1997 - La lutte dans la boue”
Wikipedia tells me it started in 1990 as a French game show, but that has been remade around the world.
It was set and filmed on the real Fort Boyard in France, and the contestants have to complete challenges to win prize money. It tends to focus mainly on physical and endurance challenges. And it said since 1997 it was mostly celebrities that participated.
I actually found a YouTube video that showed one small clip of the show that it looked like José was in.
I’ll post some screen captures, then the video link. It focused on the female in the group, and she was mud wrestling, but he was shown before and afterwards congratulating her.
I’m assuming they did these shows in other places besides Fort Boyard, this one is called “Fort Boyard Québec 1997 - La lutte dans la boue”
Here's the link to the video:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Most Well Known Photo of José and Stephanie?
I can tell a lot of people are landing on my site by doing image searches for José and Stephanie. I believe she's getting so much more attention right now because of his new mask and how he said the bikini-clad panther represents her. I guess maybe a lot of people didn't know about his family or something. Anyway, I don't know that I've ever actually posted this photo on this blog, even though it's one of their more famous ones. It was from a magazine cover (maybe Val will know which one, because I think she has a copy) when he was playing in Montreal.
It's the famous "abs photo." :o) I just think it's a neat photo, because I really like them together and I think it's a very sexy photo of both of them.
It's the famous "abs photo." :o) I just think it's a neat photo, because I really like them together and I think it's a very sexy photo of both of them.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Puck Daddy Article about José's New Mask
The online reactions to José's new mask have been mixed since the photos first hit the net. I'd say it's almost even...half love it, half don't like it at all. I, of course, love it. I think I made that perfectly clear yesterday. A departure from the norm, yes, but really awesome.
What bothers me about people's reactions is they are only focusing on the "Stephanie" side in the bikini. So everyone talks about it being a beach body mask, a bikini mask, buxom cat, etc. They seem to forget all about the other side with the José and Romy cats. It's a family mask, and I think that's really sweet. Romy is finally old enough to really know what's on her dad's mask, so to see her family there as cats/panthers? What little girl wouldn't love that?!! I wish people would focus on that more.
And even if they want to focus on the Stephanie side...I think it's really sweet that after they've been together as long as they have, that he still finds his wife attractive and sexy, and has that depicted in a fun way on his mask. I'd be so flattered if I were her.
That being said, this was still an interesting article even though it talked about the "sexy."
From Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo Sports' "Puck Daddy."
José Theodore's New Mask is a Sexy Version of Cat Fancy
But Jose Theodore, you've earned our attention:
This is Theodore's new mask for the Panthers, and our records indicate it's the first in NHL history to feature a female feline in a bikini.
The design is a welcome change from the litany of Florida goalie masks that just feature a solitary palm tree or the goalie's face inside the jaws of a Panther head. Were this a Tex Avery cartoon, our eyes would now be bulging out while we make the "aaaah-oooo-gaaah" noise.
So what's the story behind the image? Prepare to feel a little awkward. From George Richards of On Frozen Pond, which published the mask image on Wednesday:
Here's the other side:
Overall, cool mask. Sexiest goalie mask ever? That really all depends on how you feel about The Bride from "Kill Bill" and Final Fantasy games.
What bothers me about people's reactions is they are only focusing on the "Stephanie" side in the bikini. So everyone talks about it being a beach body mask, a bikini mask, buxom cat, etc. They seem to forget all about the other side with the José and Romy cats. It's a family mask, and I think that's really sweet. Romy is finally old enough to really know what's on her dad's mask, so to see her family there as cats/panthers? What little girl wouldn't love that?!! I wish people would focus on that more.
And even if they want to focus on the Stephanie side...I think it's really sweet that after they've been together as long as they have, that he still finds his wife attractive and sexy, and has that depicted in a fun way on his mask. I'd be so flattered if I were her.
That being said, this was still an interesting article even though it talked about the "sexy."
From Greg Wyshynski at Yahoo Sports' "Puck Daddy."
José Theodore's New Mask is a Sexy Version of Cat Fancy
It's not often we think about the goalie masks of the Florida Panthers, though in fairness we do watch mostly playoff hockey.
But Jose Theodore, you've earned our attention:
This is Theodore's new mask for the Panthers, and our records indicate it's the first in NHL history to feature a female feline in a bikini.
The design is a welcome change from the litany of Florida goalie masks that just feature a solitary palm tree or the goalie's face inside the jaws of a Panther head. Were this a Tex Avery cartoon, our eyes would now be bulging out while we make the "aaaah-oooo-gaaah" noise.
So what's the story behind the image? Prepare to feel a little awkward. From George Richards of On Frozen Pond, which published the mask image on Wednesday:
On one side of the mask is a feline wearing a bikini. On the other side is another adult cat (the one that looks a little like Joe Camel) wearing sunglasses. Next to him is a surprised looking kitten. I was told the three cats on the mask represent the Theodore clan: Jose, wife Stephanie and daughter Romy.So the buxom bikini cat is … his wife? You know, once you work past the initial jaw drop, it's actually a sweet little gesture, no?
Here's the other side:
He's a little more Chester Cheetah than Joe Camel, because there's no way Joe Camel is ever using a bendy straw.
Overall, cool mask. Sexiest goalie mask ever? That really all depends on how you feel about The Bride from "Kill Bill" and Final Fantasy games.
