I just think they were stronger due to the young kids slowly coming into their own. Luongo, Bowmeester, and soon Horton, let alone others. In fact, just about all the players that make the most difference for the panthers, were all brought in/drafted with Dudley, like Jokinen and others I think will become effective soon, like Kolnik and Krajicek.

Keenan’s signings and trades like Roberts, Nieuwendyk, et al, proved futile. I feel the only real need out of all those was Stumpel, because he is a good face off man and you can never get enough of those. All the others were well past their prime and prone to injury, regardless of how big a heart they have. I have to admit thought that I was in shock that Joe lasted that many games (he rocks on faceoffs too). I was thinking 40 games at most with all his back problems.

In short, my feeling is that the Dudley era is just starting to take effect now, and Keenan is taking credit for that part while still not able to maximize it. The Panthers were an up and coming franchise and now slowly Keenan is transforming them into a veteran squad and that won’t get them anywhere. And losing Luongo is a terrible thing. I think the Panthers will be taken a good step back this year. Maybe even be back in the top 5 in the draft.

And by the way, finesse is what the last year was about. All the rough and tumble teams were eliminated. Most in the first round. Even thought I did not like any of the 4 you mentioned either. Speed and finesse is the name of the game now so maybe the Panthers would have done better by staying that way.

Martin is a good coach, but I have never been convinced he has the answers to take a team the entire way. Regardless, that was a good signing by Keenan. But they need to stay younger (at least younger veterans that will last more than two seasons), and keep the core and grow from within. Very much like the Penguins and St. Louis need to do. Nashville and Columbus are on their way too, patiently and slowly. It’s just a proven formula.

I just don’t know how you guys will get rid of Keenan, sooner than later. He is not what you guys need, but for what I understand he is untouchable in the eyes of the owners. You just better hope he has a lot shorter tenure than Milbury did.

I’m not the biggest Keenan fan either(even though to his credit, he knows how to deal with the older more mature players, look at what he did for Jokinen), and I enjoy’d Dudley when he was in charge. But I don’t think Dudley was the answer, nor do I think Keenan is. I’m still supporting the team though. My hope comes from (as far as management) Jacque Martins.

The bottom line though, the Cats are a stronger team since being under keenan’s control. Dudley’s cats weren’t close to what I think the panther’s will do now. Dudley favored too many finess players in my opinion which I didn’t like (ex. Huselius Hagman Shvidki Kraijcek).

PS Florida is nowhere near the west coast.

Sourray+aebisher+1st rond pick, and 3 round pick for next year. for Bouwmeester, remmeber guys this guy is young and hell of a good player.

I must say that if gainey pulls this one off…he’s a genious.

SOURAY+AEBISCHER FOR BOUWMEESTER+ 4th ROUND PICK