[Cali Panthers Fan]

I wasn't able to stay awake long enough to see the third period. Thank god. I don't think I could handle that sort of heartbreak in real time.

I think it's fair to say that if a team is playing for their playoff lives and are up 2 goals late in such an important game, and then they collapse with 5 minutes left and end up losing that game, they probably don't deserve to be in the playoffs.

I've liked the pluck and character of this team, but they probably got what they deserved in the end. It's been a good learning experience for a lot of the younger guys, and even some of the veterans, but stick a fork in 'em, they're done (barring a miracle because they aren't mathematically out yet).

They will play the game on Friday against Minny as if they are still in the race. As they should, because you should always try until you're mathematically out, but perhaps by Sunday they can get a few youngsters some game time to assess where they are at going into the off-season.

It should be an interesting post-mortem analysis when the season is over. Lots of interesting storylines with individual players and the team in general. This was a much better season than I ever thought it would be, and it was a good step in the right direction to rebuild a culture and identity. Lots more work to be done though.