The Smelly Rat
October 21, 2004
Despite the 0-3 start to the season, GM Dave Penney is quite happy with his teams performance thus far.
"Going into this season we knew we were going to be in for a tough time" said Penney. "But so far there have been some very pleasent surprises which we will continue to grow on."
Not specifically stating who he was talking about, speculation says that Penney is talking about none other than Olli Jokinen. Jokenin has welcomed his role on the second line with open arms. He has found comfort in linemates Michael Ryder and Alyn McCauley.
"These guys always find a way to get me the puck" said Jokenin. They are the main reason why I am scoring right now."
Jokenin sits near the top of the league in scoring by already netting 3 goals and 2 assists in only 3 games. Ryder is not far behind; he has 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 games. McCauley is the backbone of the line and provides the defensive, two way play that has become a trademark of this Panthers franchise.
After recently re-aquiring Pavel Datsyuk, GM Penney says he is pleased with his play in his first game back.
"Pavel had a great game today for us" said Penney. "With juggled the lineup and put Maltby and Hunter up on the top line with him". "That line was a combined +3 for us today and was very effective in shutting down the opposition. It is unfortunate that this team had a severe WEAK link or we might have been able to pull out a tie or a win" said Penney.
Penney didn't come right out and say who that 'weak' link was, but all signs point to Chris Phillips who was a team worse -3 in today's game. Quickly after the game, Penney decided to ship Phillips to Phoenix for a boat load of young talent. A combined -9 on the year, Phillips just did not belong on this Panthers squad.
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