Gameday, Panthers vs. Jets (3-4, SO)

José gets the start tonight at home against Winnipeg.

After one period, the Panthers trail 2-1. José has faced 7 shots on goal.

After two periods, the Panthers trail 2-1. José stopped all 9 shots he faced that period.

The game went to a shootout, and the Jets won. He saved 28 of 31 in regulation and saved 1 of 3 in the shootout. The Panthers didn't score any in the shootout. José had some amazing saves, especially in the 3rd period. Very disappointing, as I'm sure it is for him. But at least they got one point. sigh.

Florida Panthers’ José Theodore Guides Jacob Markstrom

From Miami Herald's George Richards.

BUFFALO – Jose Theodore watched Jacob Markstrom from one of the best seats in the building. Sitting on the Panthers bench right near the ice, the Panthers elder statesman in goal took in what Florida's youngster was doing.

And no one was rooting harder for the kid to have success.

“What a character guy. He's been awesome in the room to everyone, but what a positive influence on Jacob,'' Stephen Weiss said of the relationship between the 35-year-old Theodore and the 21-year-old Markstrom.

“No one is happier for Markstrom than Theo was. Theo is a class act, has been great since he's been here. He's great for Markstrom although he has a confidence about him where he's comfortable in his own shoes and does his own thing. But it doesn't hurt to have Theo right there beside him.''

Markstrom appeared to have taken away the starter's job from Theodore with his play in the past week. Last week, Theodore faced 10 shots in the first 40 minutes of Florida's home game against the Islanders before cramping up. Theodore thought it would be best if Markstrom came on in relief and he excelled, stopping all 18 shots he faced as Florida rallied to win 4-2.

Two days later, it was Markstrom – not native son Theodore – getting the start for the Panthers in Montreal. Markstrom was impressive, stopping 40 shots in a 2-1 win. After that, Markstrom had to start in Ottawa.

After Florida lost 4-2 to the Senators, however, coach Kevin Dineen put Theodore back in. In Saturday's night's thrilling 3-2 win over the Sabres, Theodore was sharp throughout as he stopped 26 shots to get Florida to 6-4-0.

“We have two guys playing extremely well,'' Dineen said. “Jose had a couple of days off and that's not the worst thing for him. When his time came to play, he answered the bell.''

Theodore said he was anxious to get back in the net and help the team rebound from the Ottawa loss.

“I was so happy to see Jacob get in there and do so well,'' he said. “One of my jobs here is to help him and try to mentor him the best I can. I was really excited to see him do so well. It was great to see. He played great under some tough circumstances.''

Dineen said the most impressive thing he's noticed about Theodore is his work ethic. Whether he's starting or not, he's usually the first player on the ice. “And then I have to drag him off,'' Dineen said. Markstrom has obviously noticed as he seemingly has the same ideals when it comes to doing the work on the ice. If Theodore is on the ice first, Markstrom isn't far behind. Sometimes the kid makes it out there first.

“I don't know if it bugs me yet, but he almost works too hard,'' Dineen said. “He went three or four games in a row and he was still out there all the time. He's not a big man, so I worry a little about his workload. But it's early in the season and he's not concerned. He's in bring-it mode right now. He definitely puts the work in and things follow from there.''


Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers/2011/10/flapanthers-jacob-markstrom-has-mentor-in-jose-theodore.html#ixzz1cHaZatos

Panthers slip past Sabres with late goals

Article found on CBC Sports.

The Associated Press
Posted: Oct 29, 2011 10:13 PM ET

Jason Garrison's power-play goal with 1:43 left in regulation snapped a third-period tie and lifted the Panthers to a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

The victory came two days after Florida allowed Ottawa to score the winner with under 3 seconds left after Kris Versteeg tied the game with 47.1 seconds to go.

"We're playing good hockey," said goalie Jose Theodore, who finished with 24 saves. "Even in Ottawa we think we could have won that game. The guys are really dedicated to the little details, and to playing real well."

Garrison's goal capped an unusual final 7 minutes after Jason Pominville put the Sabres on top 2-1 with a power-play goal at 12:53.

With 6:45 left, Florida's Marco Sturm received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for slamming Buffalo defenseman Jordan Leopold into the boards from behind. But Buffalo's Drew Stafford was handed a roughing penalty as well after he shoved Sturm in retaliation.

Buffalo's Nathan Gerbe then received an additional minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct when he argued his tripping penalty with 5:19 to play.

With the teams at four skaters each, Tomas Fleischmann tied it at 2-2 with just under 4 minutes to play.

Two seconds after Sturm's major penalty expired — and with Gerbe still in the penalty box — Garrison ripped a one-timer past Ryan Miller from the high slot on a pass from Brian Campbell for the winner.

"Their defenceman backed up a bit and I let the puck go," Garrison said.

Marcel Goc also scored for the Panthers (6-4-0), who won for the third time in their past four games by suffocating the Sabres' offence.

Tomas Kopecky added three assists, while Garrison also had an assist for Florida, which finished its three-game road trip with two wins.

"We played a solid game," Theodore said. "I saw the puck well. When you can see the puck you can control the rebounds and play all the shooters well."

Thomas Vanek also scored, and Miller finished with 33 saves for the slumping Sabres (6-4-0). Buffalo has dropped three of its past four after opening the season with four wins in the first five games.

"We have to wake up and do what it takes to play a system in this league," Miller said. "You're not going to get away with making cute plays, you're not going to be able to carry the puck in…you're not going to have that luxury. Too many mistakes, myself included. We're all accountable here."

After a scoreless first period, the Panthers struck first when Goc notched his second of the season 6:48 into the second. From the right of the net just above the goal line, he spun around and whipped a shot that banked in off Miller's right pad.

Vanek tied it at 1-1 with his eighth with 1:46 left in the second. After making a move around Campbell, Vanek went around the net and stuffed the puck in.

Midway through the first period a video review overturned Matt Ellis' goal when it was determined he had kicked the puck in from just outside the crease on a feed from Brad Boyes from the right corner.

"The energy level of our game wasn't good," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "There's no excuses for it."

Post-Game interviews, 10/29/11

Nice interview with José after the win. Classy as always.

Click here for video.

Then Coach Dineen talked a bit about him at the end of his post-game interview. Called him "enthusiastic." ;o)

Click here for video.

Gameday, Panthers @ Sabres (W, 3-2)

José is in net tonight. After one period the game is scoreless. José only had to face 5 shots that first period.

Tied at 1 after 2 periods. The goal against José was not a good one. He overplayed a bit and was out of position. Other than that he's been great.

Panthers win 3-2! He didn't seem to let that one bad-ish goal affect the rest of his game, and ended up saving 24 of 26 shots.

The Team Congratulating Erik Gudbranson

Panthers coach Kevin Dineen called the team together and told them that rookie defenseman Erik Gudbranson had officially made the team.

There would be no return to juniors – at least for the forseeable future as all the players cheered and surrounded the 19-year-old with high-fives and hearty congratulations.

In the stands, Gudbranson’s father Wayne broke down and couldn’t even speak to reporters because he was overcome with emotion when witnessing the on-ice celebration. It’s also special because Gudbranson grew up nearby and skated on this ice as a 5-year-old Pee-wee player when he was rooting for the Sens. His whole family will be in the stands tonight, except for brother Alex, who plays for his old junior team the Kingston Frontenacs.


Here's the video.

And I’d like to point out that I can’t even see José at the beginning of the video. Wherever he is, it’s far enough away that he was out of sight. Yet he came all the way over to congratulate Erik. And lots of guys that were right there didn’t. That’s not a criticism of anyone else, just showing the type of guy José is. An extremely supportive teammate.

José's Reaction to the News (Edited with more comments)

He is a much better person than I will ever be. This is why the Panthers need to realize they have the best guy in the NHL for their team. Such a super teammate.

Article is here.

"Veteran goalie Jose Theodore took the news well and was totally supportive of Markstrom. He said his core injury could use the extra rest and Markstrom’s hot streak couldn’t come at a better time."

And another article here.

“Look around the league, it’s so competitive now, you need two solid goalies, you got to make sure the starter gives the team a chance to win,” Theodore said. “Look at the playoffs, there’s always two goalies involved and always a big strength when your team is able to use two goalies. The key is whoever is in there you have to play well. Everybody is happy in that case, both goalies are involved and the team is winning. I’m trying to help Marky the best I can with my experience and details and trying to mentor him the best way I can.”

Markstrom in Net Against Ottawa Tonight

Here's the video of Dineen explaining his decision. I have no comment.

Click here.

Practice Video from 10/26/11

The Panthers' website had some video from today's practice.

Click here.

Fan Photos...Oldies but Goodies

Thanks to Val for sharing some of her old photos!! The top two are from 2003. The little boy is her cousin who was inspired to be a goalie by the man himself. ;o) She says he's taller than José now. Haha.

The other one she cut herself out of...she didn't want to see herself in all the Habs gear.

This one was during the 2004-05 NHL lock out when a number of NHL players participated in exhibition games with the McDonalds Caravan to raise funds for charities.

Photos from the Montreal Game, 10/24/11

First of all, thanks to Felicia for sharing her photo with José from after the game. Look at him in that suit! ;o)

And then thanks to Val for sharing these shots from the game. She said Felicia actually took the mask-up photo.

Thanks to all my fellow Theo fans for sharing! My blogs wouldn't be the same without you! :o)

Comment from Coach Dineen about Florida's Goalie Situation

From the Miamia Herald's On Frozen Pond:

As expected, Dineen wouldn't say who he will start in goal on Thursday against the Senators. Markstrom has stopped 58 of 59 shots over the past two games. Jose Theodore is healthy and ready to play.

“As a coach, you have hard decisions to make every day,'' Dineen said, “and Markstrom is putting a plateful on for me. But it's a great problem to have. Both guys are playing extremely well.''


Read more: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers/2011/10/florida-panthers-hope-to-keep-winning-in-canada-ryan-carter-loses-numbers-game-waived-whos-in-goal.html#ixzz1bp4zH68g

Panthers 2, Canadiens 1

Markstrom had 40 saves for the win in Montreal.

Here's what Dineen had to say afterwards:

“Sometimes you have to go on performance and Marky played so well in the third period [Saturday] and earned his place in net,’’ Dineen said. “Theo’s our starter and a great player. He’s going to get back in there soon. Jacob not only earned that start but earned that victory.’’

Markstrom in Net on 10/24/11

This was what Coach Dineen had to say in his morning interview today, from George Richards of the Miami Herald:

"Theo is healthy enough to play tonight,” Dineen said.

Will he, I asked?

“We’ll play coy here. I’m going to think this one out this afternoon and decide closer to game time,” Dineen said. “They’re both workhorses, I have to kick both of them off the ice.”

So I guess he decided to go with Markstrom. It could be that he wanted to get Markstrom another start before Clemmensen comes back. And if José was feeling any sort of twinge at all, maybe he thought this was a good time. Maybe it's because Markstrom played well in the 3rd period last game...ride the hot goalie kind of thing.

I just hope it doesn't continue. Markstrom needs more time in the AHL, and I think he'll get that one Clemmensen comes back. I don't want to see José riding the bench before then though, because his play has not warranted that this season.

Markstrom in Net Monday Against Montreal, so I've heard

It hasn't been announced by the team yet, but George Richards of the Miami Herald had this to say:

Gameday, Panthers vs. Islanders (W, 4-2)

José will be in net tonight against the Islanders. Let's hope it goes as well as the first game against the Islanders!

I was having trouble with my Gamecenter feed most of the first period, so didn't see much. The game is tied at one early in the 2nd period. The Islanders goal was scored on a PP.

The big news is that David Booth, the Panthers' goal leader last season, was traded before gametime. It was a surprise and I wouldn't doubt it came as a shock to his teammates too. He was at practice this morning, then not at the game.

I believe he only faced 5 shots in the first period.

After 2 periods, the score is tied at 2. Another PP goal for the Islanders. He only faced 4 more shots that period.

José didn't play the 3rd period. He was on the bench and Markstrom was in net. After the game it was announced by Coach Dineen that he was taken out for "precautionary reasons relating to 'core issues'", so let's hope it's nothing serious and he'll be back next game. Although everyone is so high on Markstrom, it really wouldn't surprise me if they start him. He saved all 18 shots he faced in the 3rd. José did fine also, but only faced 10 shots in the first 2 periods. We'll see what happens. There are a lot of people in Florida who want their "goalie of the future" to be their goalie of the present.

The Panthers Goal Song

I thought you all might be interested in what the Panthers' new goal song is this season. Hopefully we'll be hearing it a lot. It's My Chemical Romance's "Na Na Na." Really awesome song, and I feel a really good choice. It's a pump you up kind of song.

Here ya go.

Buffalo Stampede: Sabres Rock Panthers 3-0 as Florida Shut Out for Second Straight Game ... Kevin Dineen Ain't Happy

From George Richard's On Frozen Pond.

The Panthers had little problem putting the puck into the net Monday night in Tampa, scoring seven goals to spoil the Lightning's home opener.

Things haven't been so good since.

Florida has been shut down and shut out in its following two games, first by former teammate Tomas Vokoun on Tuesday and then by Buffalo's Ryan Miller on Thursday. In the Panthers second home game of the season, Miller made just 22 saves and led the red-hot Sabres to a 3-0 victory at BankAtlantic Center.

Buffalo, which lost its only game on home ice this season, is now 5-1-0. The Panthers haven't scored a goal since Jason Garrison whipped one past Dwayne Roloson late in Monday's win.

Florida's scoreless streak is now at 2 hours 3 minutes 16 seconds. The Panthers were previously shutout in consecutive games last March against the Rangers and Blackhawks.

Florida is averaging just 21 shots in its past two defeats.

“I don't think we tried hard enough,'' coach Kevin Dineen said flatly. “There are a lot of little things that go on during the course of a game. .-.-. That's six periods in a row that we showed little snapshots here and there, but we're a far way away from where we were four or five days ago. We need to address that and soon. .-.-. We got outworked in our home building and that has some sting to it. It's the first time for a lot of us who are new here. It's got to stop right now.''

Florida was missing a few parts on Thursday as Ed Jovanovski didn't play because of a sore hip, Sean Bergenheim missed his second straight game because of what is being called 'soreness,' and Shawn Matthias has a stomach ailment.

Even though the Panthers got things going in their offensive zone, they couldn't solve Miller. Of his 23 career shutouts, two have come against Florida.
The Panthers biggest problem on Thursday was their lack of being able to clear out the puck around the net.

On Buffalo's first goal, Thomas Vanek redirected a shot from Jason Pominville after the Panthers gave up the puck in their own zone. Vanek's goal, the game-winner, came 2:33 into the second period.
Pominville, Buffalo's captain, made it 2-0 late in the period when he knocked in a nice feed from Ville Leino – a player the Panthers pursued when the free agency market opened July 1. Vanek scored his second of the night on a power play with 2:29 left.

Florida's Jose Theodore made 35 saves in the loss as he lost for the first time as a member of the Panthers on home ice. He won his Sunrise debut with the Panthers last Saturday as Florida beat the Lightning 3-2 in a shootout.

The Panthers were 2-for-3 killing penalties and went 0-for-1 on the power play. In the past two losses, Florida has had just three power play opportunities.

“We have to keep it out of the net on the penalty kill,'' said Kris Versteeg. “Jose stood on his head at times for us.''


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Gamepost for the Panthers vs. Sabres (L, 0-3)

It's scoreless after one. José has made 11 saves, and some of those were of the "quality" variety, as the announcers like to say. He stoned a guy on a breakaway, and that was awesome to see. Miller is the goalie for Buffalo, so it's a battle of Vezina-winning goalies, and they are both looking it tonight.

After the 2nd period, the Sabres lead 2-0. The Panthers can't get much going offensively. The 2 goals against Theo were on his guys in front of him. Nothing he could do. He's still doing extremely well. He's faced a total of 24 shots so far, whereas Miller has faced 16.

And one point his mask got knocked off by a shot that hit his head/neck region. But with his great hand-eye coordination, he caught it very smoothly.

The Panthers could not get anything to fall into place offensively. They lost 3-0. José ended up facing 38 shots on goal, and Miller only had to see 22. José really had an exceptional game...the score could've been so much worse.