[therattrick.com]

I just want to say thanks to everyone that voted in the blogging contest. I truly appreciate your votes as well as your comments.

I would like to clarify a few things so that maybe some of you will have a better understanding of my writing. I was born and raised in Chicago and have always been a Blackhawk fan. However when we moved to Florida in 1993 we quickly adopted the Panthers as our second team (if that's possible). Shortly after my daughter was born we got season tickets and have had them now for about 13 years.

I love hockey and watch a ton of it, and read alot about other teams and what's going on in the NHL. Nothing better than a Saturday night with a bunch of games on including the Panthers of course.

Believe me I want them to win, matter of fact I am dying for them to make the playoffs, but like I said early on in my blog, I will call it as I see it. If I don't think they're playing well, I'll say so. If they do, then I'll applaud them. But let's make no mistake, I am not satisfied with how things have gone over the years and am tired of all the broken promises and the new and different directions that they always seem to be going.

I hate losing more than I like winning! I love a physical team that has some skills as well, but I'n not a fan of boring trap style defence. I prefer uptempo, and hate the shootout!

This team has to play hard every single night for things to go well and while that's all good, they also could use a superstar. Hard to come by I know, but hopefully someday soon it will happen.
My pictures, comments, etc, are just a way for me to rant and express my hatred of losing, or pose a cynical and frustrated report. But when they win, you'll see the difference.
There are a few players that I'm not to fond of. Never will be, but that's just me. There are others that I will support to the end, but will call them out when needed.

Nothing would make me happier than a long playoff run, but I am sure we'd all agree that there are a couple missing pieces. So, don't take it personally when I don't make excuses for a loss, or don't get overly excited about barely hanging on to a win. I have high expectations and so should you.

So, come on by and give me a read. I usually post once a day, sometimes twice if I have the time or feel the need. I'd rather have one really good post than a bunch. N t to say that the other bloggers aren't good, or they post too much, but it's easier for me and that's how I like to do it.
I welcome your comments as well. There is a comment section at the end of every blog post and ittakes just a minute to register if you never have. Don't worry, you won't get flooded with junk emails.

Thanks again everyone!
The Rat Trick

[drscruf]

Well played sir, well played!

[State 0f Chaos]

I get that many Panthers fans would agree with all of that, haha.

Also, congrats!

[GWTLAH]

Congratulations to you! ^_^ And I'm glad that in the process you've also become an Arena member.