Sunday's Forgotten Man

Yes, it's an old picture. Sue me.

Lost in the orgasm of David Booth tributes, let us not kick aside the herculean efforts of goaltender Craig Anderson, whose 44 saves were as good as another three goals-for. You have to see what he did in order to fully appreciate it. Classic Andy; we are beyond lucky to have him.

Enjoy the video since it contains FSN play-by-play broadcaster Steve Goldstein's epic Darth Sideous impersonation.

Continue to bathe in the sunshine and rainbows knowing that Stephen Weiss and Jassen Cullimore had two assists and a plus-2 apiece, with McCabe and Frolik each picking up an assist.

Saturday Primer: Cullimore, Anderson, and Whatever Else I Can Find at 8am While Working

Defenseman Jassen Cullimore makes his return to the Panthers' lineup tonight (minus the hardware on his left, above) in Nashville versus the Predators. Finally clearing customs, Cully joins a defensive core - and system - he is well familiar with, having spent training camp with the club. It simply seemed inevitable we'd see him this season, given the Cats' injury history - and present - on the blueline.

Craig Anderson will be in net tonight. Kinda surprised by that one, given T-Vo's years of service in Nashville.

Finally, some good news from Sommet Center: the main concourse restroom facilities have been reopened, to the delight of Tennessee's hockey hardcores.

Cullimore In, Murphy Out

Former Panthers defenseman Jassen Cullimore (shown above right, next to a non-descript Pittsburgh Penguin) has been signed by Florida in an effort to replace some of the troops lost to injury. One of those recently hurt, Cory Murphy, may miss up to a month with a shoulder ailment, though it will not require surgery. Older but undeniably reliable - witness his +21 last year - this move was a no-brainer for JM the GM. Good to see Cully back in the fold.

Photo FYI: Not a good sign when, as in the photo above, Cullimore finds himself behind Sidney what's-his-name.

End of First: Blues up 1-0

A PP goal by the best man-advantage unit in the league (featuring five forwards) puts St. Louis up by one.

A sloppy and tired start by the Cats, showing every bit of the mileage and action the past five days have brought them. Key word: Turnovers. Couldn't keep possession and passes were ill-fated. They settled down a bit after the first seven minutes or so, and an unremarkable performance by both clubs ensued. The goal wasn't Andy's fault; a right-circle pass to Tkachuk in the crease. The veteran went behind his back, instead of shooting, placing the puck directly on the tape of Brad Boyes, to the left of the goal, who scored into an empty net. Anderson, defending the right crease, had no help thanks to the nifty move by Tkachuk. A sweet play for the Blues.

Notes: Blues third-string goalie Ben Bishop is in net for St. Louis. He's 6'-7". Off skates. Gargantuan. Looks like the Cloverfield lizard in front of a soccer net. Tallest goaltender in the league. Ever. Noah Welch is suddenly the veteran on his defensive pairing with the loss of Cory Murphy, which follows the loss of Bryan McCabe. If I were Jason Garrison, I'd make certain my medical insurance is in good standing. Speaking of Garrison, he looks good. The leading scorer in Rochester, he's looking solid and confident. Getting power play time - on the point - as well. So far a wise addition. Could this guy end Jassen Cullimore's hopes of a return to Florida? Thanks to FSN, we learned that before Garrison tonight, the number 52 had never been used.

AccuScore Prediction: Blues 2.7, Cats 2.4

So much for a carryover of offense from last night. Granted, St. Louis is going to come out ready for war after being embarrassed - and shutout - 4-0 by the suddenly-hot Kings. But did anyone else notice that certain indefinable something which possessed the Panthers the past few games? A little more never-say-die? No matter, a computer has given it's results. We'll have to wait a few more hours for the real deal.

Cory Murphy joins the ranks of the injured, with a bum shoulder; he'll be replaced by Rochester call-up Jason Garrison. Just how close are we now to signing Jassen Cullimore, eh? Andy will be in net for the Cats.

WAIVED: Cory Murphy

As of noon today, defenseman Cory Murphy has been placed on waivers. I agree with Steve Gorten at the Sun-Sentinel: this paves the way for Jassen Cullimore's return to the club.

The league's oldest rookie last season (though not eligible for the Calder Trophy due to his age) is signed for one more year. I do believe he'd be a solid first or second call-up from Rochester...if he makes it there.

Cullimore has looked possesed since camp opened; my money's on him getting a contract offer within hours; the deadline for the 23-man roster maximum is tomorrow. More to come.

Wednesday Primer: Suddenly, There's Interest...and More DeBoer!

A sense of excitement and anticipation over the new-look Cats, as well as a sort of "What do these guys stand for?" attitude is beginning to permeate the NHL's old-guard media in their approach to Florida's team. So far.

Coach DeBoer is certainly a hot topic in the MSM these days, as a boatload of recent articles makes clear.

The Calgary Sun reveals DeBoer's efforts in changing the course of a losing culture in Sunrise.

"We're going to be a hard-working, fast-paced, up-tempo kind of team."

Definitely sounded that way on the radio last evening.

From our friends at the Globe and Mail, Eric Duhatschek compiles a terrific dossier on DeBoer, immediately following last night's contest in Calgary.

"This is the 14th year for the franchise and it is up to DeBoer to change the culture, something that usually doesn't happen overnight."

Doesn't need to be overnight. Pencil it in for November.

Like we needed more information about that Shawn Matthias character...actually, I welcome it...here's a concise profile about the Canadian Michael Frolik (on that subject, what a show it's gonna be watching them grow up!!!).

"Matthias became a favourite of his teammates for his work ethic, leading to Panthers’ captain Olli Jokinen to say that Matthias, 'should have made the team,' coming out of (last year's) training camp."

That comment always stuck with me.

"Bouwmeester Done in Florida?" Or so read the headline yesterday in - you guessed it - The Globe and Mail.

"There were lots more changes this year, too, although Bouwmeester will be the top dog on a much-improved defence."

He proved it at the Saddledome 12 hours ago.

Defensive talk dominates the day at the Sun-Sentinel.

"Martin acquired Cullimore as a free agent last October and the 35-year-old finished the season with a team- and career-best plus-21 rating. He had three goals and 10 assists in 65 games. Yet he received little interest after becoming an unrestricted free agent in July."

They are stacked on "D", and a couple of good players - or more - will get squeezed. Cully really may want to soften his stance on that one-way deal obsession of his.

Friday Primer: Camp Talk, and Talk, and Talk`

The days have turned to hours as camp approaches. Will YOU be there to watch when Peter DeBoer takes to the ice in his first formal practice as head coach? When Richard Zednik makes his first public appearance on the ice? When Anthony Stewart is trotted out for what must be His. Last. Chance. When the search for parking at construction-addled IncredibleIce turns viscious? When Craig Anderson looks for Ice Bunnies...and finds none?

These cosmic questions and many others will be answered tomorrow morning at 10 in Coral Springs, kiddies. Don't worry...it free.

Lots of activity from The Big Three today, so in the spirit of Carolina's franchise, let's dive right in:

At the Herald, GR recounts the activity of the summer, what it means, and the way it may all play out.

"General manager Jacques Martin said this is the best team Florida has had since he joined the franchise in 2004."

I'm as positive - more so, in fact - as anyone, but yowza that sounds eerily familiar. However, I am inclined to agree, at least on paper. Jassen Cullimore has also been spotted back on South Florida ice, apparently with an invite in hand. Bravo...he was a pleasant surprise last year, a real comeback, though his chances to make the club out of camp are slim to none (who's he gonna bump? McCabe?). If he signs a deal, it'll be two-way and off to Rochester to await an injury callup. Not that injuries have ever been a problem with this team.

Actually, that's not too bad a first defensive pairing for the Amerks: Cully and Rory, plugging in Ellerby when necessary. Kewl.

Cruising up I-95 north, the Sun-Sentinel has it's own list of questions, from the vacant captaincy (Vokoun for the "C"...Amen!), to DeBoer's minor-league experience ascending to major-league success.

"Still, a few Panthers players privately wonder whether that will translate over to the pros, with some players twice the age of the juniors DeBoer has coached."

So freaking what. Play the game.

Not to be outdone, Steve Gorton's Cullimore news is featured here as well.

Further up the interstate, the Palm Beach Post's Brian Biggane profiles DeBoer's new attack-first system he's implementing, and the obvious comparisons with Detroit and Canadian national teams.

" 'We won't be sitting back. We're going to be in your face,' said Stephen Weiss, who enters camp as the team's No. 1 center."

Really, really, looking forward to this practice and scrimmage tomorrow. It's unfortunate that there don't appear to be any videos of past training camp practices - or any practices - that could be used to contrast Martin's approach to DeBoer. An eye opener, I'd bet.