Today is the day of many feasts as we celebrate the arrival and survival of the country's first truely successful English colony. Today, we also celebrate the Panthers. Games have been lost in the final minute like previous years. Another round of "Here we go again..." has been resoundingly heard. Still, the Panthers sit at 5-5-1 in the month of November, which means they not only have a chance at .500 for the month, but with three games left, the Panthers have made the ghosts of November disappear. Two straight road wins, three wins in the last four games, perhaps the Panthers are coalescing earlier than previous years. We are also thankful for the return of Rusty Olesz, who has showed his talent in a three-point performance in yesterday's masterful victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. His offensive capabilities and strong all around play was sorely missed for the 14 games he was out. In 9 games this season Rusty has 7 points in 9 games with 4 goals. If he can continue to step up, I feel very confident about the Panthers chances. We are also thankful for Jacques Martin and the stability he has brought to this organization. The rumors of his job on the line and the rumors of Jacques shopping Olli have seemingly lit a fire under the butts for the Panthers. Perhaps it was an internal plant by the Panthers organization. In any case the team has come together more like the second-half teams the Panthers have been for the past two years. We are also thankful for the Jassen Cullimores, the Kamil Kreps, and the Garth Murrays of this team. Both Jassen and Garth were picked up from the garbage bin; Kamil has shown flashes of his talent in his strong play since being called up. Jassen has has provided depth on defense and has played a sound defensive game in all the games he has played. Garth Murray has been here one game, but his depth is sorely needed with injuries creeping up on the Cats.

 

 

Let us be thankful that the Panthers have 10 wins a full three weeks before last season's team. Let us be thankful that the Panthers are right in the thick of the playoff race. Let us be thankful for Tomas Vokoun.

 

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving from the Panthers Daily Puck and Go Cats!

 

 

:mischief

Gotta beat those damn Rangers tomorrow!