Panthers opening night roster set

The panthers opening night roster is set for their game Thursday against the Flyers. Two new rookies will be joining the team this year, Kristian Huselius LW and Niklas Hagman LW. Four players have injures righ now, LW Peter Worrell (groin strain), RW Denis Shvidki (concussion), D Bret Hedican (fractured jaw) and RW Rocky Thompson (leg injury).

Right now the forword lines that Duane Sutter is going with look like this:

Nilson – Kozlov – P.Bure

Huselius – Jokinen – V. Bure

Hagman – Adams – Wiemer

Lindsay – Johnson – Novoseltsev

They defence is a little weak because of Bret Hedican’s injury. Here are the pairings:

Svhela – Boyle

Ward – Norton

Laus – Ference

The goaltending is the strong point is Florida’s game right now. Loungo is staying for sure, but the future for Kidd is not so surtain right now with recent free-agent signee, Wade Flatery, capable of back-up duties. Look for Kidd to be traded to a team for an offensive defenceman or some more depth.

Loungo

Kidd

Flaherty

All in all the Panthers look to be competitive this year and challenge for the playoffs. If you have comments on where you think Kidd will end up or any Panther, feel free to post.