[Imber]

http://frozenlair.co...th-the-warrior/

Quote

Very few moments at a sporting event have the ability to take your breath away and cause goosebumps. Especially if we’re talking about live events involving the Florida Panthers.

However, if there is one player who can inspire that reaction, it’s the one that has been more dedicated to this franchise than anybody I can remember.

David Booth laid it all on the line last night, in what was probably the first fight of his career, to somewhat avenge the hit that altered his career and cost him the Olympics. Not much could make up for what happened, but this was certainly a step in the right direction.

Discuss/give the blog some love!

[R.J.]

"However, if there is one player who can inspire that reaction, it’s the one that has been more dedicated to this franchise than anybody I can remember."

This much is true. I think he is one of the few players I have seen in recent seasons who actually looks like he wants to be here when he steps out on the ice. I think the fans obviously sense this and that is one of the reasons, aside from his skill and work ethic, that he has become a fan favorite; we want him to be here because he wants to be here. Imagine what we could have done last season if Bouwmeester actually wanted to play here.

In terms of the fight w/ Richards. As soon as I saw two fights happen in the opening 5 seconds of the game, I knew it would happen sooner or later and am glad it did. It wasn't anything epic, although even if they hadn't wrestled one another to the ground I am not so sure Booth would have done much damage. But nonetheless I applaud him for dropping the gloves, especially since Richards is a guy who can definitely hold his own. I also have to say I give Richards some credit, he didn't have to fight Booth, but I suppose he felt he owed him the opportunity, so I respect him for dropping the gloves when Booth challenged him.

I also agree that we probably won't get close enough to smell a playoff spot this season, but I do think heads are going to roll this time and while we might go through a "rebuilding phase" for the 7th time in the last 10 seasons, I think we might finally see some good come out of it. All we need to do is figure out a way to find 17 other guys who want to be here as bad as Booth, then we will have a shot at winning.

[Imber]

Nicely said. As soon as I saw them drop the gloves I jumped up out of my seat and my jaw dropped. I stood there with wide eyes and my hand over my mouth until I started yelling for Booth to take his head off haha.

[sharkdivmstr]

R.J., on Mar 5 2010, 02:21 AM, said:

I also agree that we probably won't get close enough to smell a playoff spot this season, but I do think heads are going to roll this time and while we might go through a "rebuilding phase" for the 7th time in the last 10 seasons, I think we might finally see some good come out of it. All we need to do is figure out a way to find 17 other guys who want to be here as bad as Booth, then we will have a shot at winning.

The interview with Sexton on the Cats website said this is "phase 1 out of 4," whatever the hell that means. He said most offers were either low balls or were wanting the Cats to take on massive contracts in order to get the players they wanted. But Sexton seems to have a plan set. That gives me confidence. He said he was aiming to get grit, which he definitely got with Bitz and Weller.
He wants to replace (roughly his words) 7-8 of the roster. In other words, a large majority of the roster will be staying. But, we'll be replacing just under half the team.

As far as Booth, the fight seemed like Richards was helping Booth save face...especially being at home. Like you said RJ, Richards can hold his own and Booth can't fight for crap. It almost looks like Richards held back. But either way, I applaud Richards as well. He gave Booth his due. Plus, I have a feeling, after the first 10 seconds of the game, Richards knew EVERY TIME the Cats play the Flyers it would be fight central!

To me, the best part was Booth having a great scoring night. This was the game Booth needed. Hopefully he picks up where he left off last season!

[damned]

Booth has looked great so far, good to see him back on the ice.