Martin extended till 2012

Louie, you are exactly the type of "fan" that keeps this mediocre organization...well...mediocre . Numbskulls like yourself are ok if the Panthers don't win...that's not a Panther fan, that's someone who enjoys watching hockey and now happens to live in South Florida. Therefore, your "opinions" about this team are mute. As for Realist, the results of this move will be the best response to your ridiculous, close-minded, biased postings. Since Cohen took over all he has done is make stupid moves, bring in the wrong people to run the team, etc. There are the Pirates and Royals in baseball, the Lions and Bengals in football, the Grizzlies and Hawks in basketball, and the Panthers and Coyotes in hockey. That's 'reality'.

Seraph120 wrote:

Louie, you are exactly the type of "fan" that keeps this mediocre organization...well...mediocre . Numbskulls like yourself are ok if the Panthers don't win...that's not a Panther fan, that's someone who enjoys watching hockey and now happens to live in South Florida. Therefore, your "opinions" about this team are mute. As for Realist, the results of this move will be the best response to your ridiculous, close-minded, biased postings. Since Cohen took over all he has done is make stupid moves, bring in the wrong people to run the team, etc. There are the Pirates and Royals in baseball, the Lions and Bengals in football, the Grizzlies and Hawks in basketball, and the Panthers and Coyotes in hockey. That's 'reality'.

Who's said I'm a Cohen fan? A decade's worth a revolving door at GM, coach, and players has GREATLY added to this team's many problems. We've had no stability in either the GM or coach position in that long...how's that worked. Let's just keep chaning GMs and coaches until we find the right hodge-podge of players that works. Sure, that's always a great idea. BE PATIENT WITH SOMEONE'S PLANS!

Martin's the best guy we've had in there in quite some time. With the right coach to motivate lazy Olli and Nate, we're in the playoffs.

It would be nice if you guys could stop calling people a bunch of dumb names. I mean, it's the tell-tale sign that you're at a loss for words, so you resort to childish antics. Try holding intellegent conversations.

you guys are all so short-sighted and pissed off that you can't see the reason for the long extension. What top coach wants to come to the Panthers with their pathetic history, which started WAY before Martin's days?

Add to it that they could be out within a year because Martin's deal is up, why would any quality coach come here? This shows more stability in the GM position and is more attractive to the calibre of coach who's out there right now. Because he's signed that long has nothing to do with whether or not he'll stay that long. He's got work to do, he's wise to that.

Seraph120 wrote:

Louie, you are exactly the type of "fan" that keeps this mediocre organization...well...mediocre . Numbskulls like yourself are ok if the Panthers don't win...that's not a Panther fan, that's someone who enjoys watching hockey and now happens to live in South Florida. Therefore, your "opinions" about this team are mute. As for Realist, the results of this move will be the best response to your ridiculous, close-minded, biased postings. Since Cohen took over all he has done is make stupid moves, bring in the wrong people to run the team, etc. There are the Pirates and Royals in baseball, the Lions and Bengals in football, the Grizzlies and Hawks in basketball, and the Panthers and Coyotes in hockey. That's 'reality'.

Oh yes, Seraph120, whoever doesn't agree with you is a "numbskull". Very intelligent argument. I'll be at the Panther games enjoying myself, you can stay home and pout like a little baby. Or, you can be the fair-weather fan you are and just root for whoever wins the Cup this year. The fact of the matter is that Martin has been in hockey much longer than most and has a great deal of experience. He did a great job in Ottawa, bringing that franchise back. Martin will do a great job here given time and money. GO CATS!

$3,9567.00 spent for my season tickets for next year. I'll be at the games and enjoying the crowds, especially when the New York and Canadian fans show up.

Look for me, I'll have my Mattias Jersey on.

RED BARON wrote:

Realist723 and Louie... you can quit trying to polish the turd. Most posters realize by now you are either shills for the team, on Yormark's payroll or you just don't mind spending hard-earned money to watch depressing uninspiring downright awful hockey season after season.
I realize no one will ever convince you to see the situation any differently. However, can you at least concede that signing Martin until 2012 was an insane move? What happens if he screws the pooch next season (which he likely will)? Are we stuck with him for 5 years because Cohen will be too cheap to buy-out his contract? Why couldn't Cohen just sign Martin for 1 or 2 years and take it from there? Was it really necessary to retain the guy for half a decade??? I really think Cohen has lost his marbles. I don't EVER see this team getting any better under his ownership and this only hammers the point home. To sign an inexperienced GM who already performed poorly as the coach for another five years is pure insanity. Even if he was a fairly good GM (as you seem to think) any owner would want to exercise some caution on the length of the contract. I realize there are many fans riding on the "we must have stablity at all costs" bandwagon, but my question is stability of what? Sucking for another 5 seasons? I'd rather the team hit rock bottom like Tampa and Philly and re-stablize under someone that knows what they are doing. Instead we get to sit around for another half a decade of mediocrity and ineptitude while other teams worse than us pass us by. Guys, I'm telling you here and now. There will be no playoffs next season or the season thereafter. In fact, when this team misses playoffs AGAIN next season, please remember these words. Cohen made a very bad move. You may think it sounds great today, but it will come back to haunt us for seasons to come. Brace yourselves for more major disappointments, bad acquistions, botched trades, no shows, lost prospects, missed opportunities, overpaid slugs, ridiculous contracts, disgruntled players, poor selections, coach firings, finger-pointing, outlandish trades and worst of all missed playoffs. Like others have, you may label me a "non-fan", "jag-off", "idiot", "unknowledgable", use my moniker or whatever you can dream up to discredit me, but you know what I'm saying is on point.

I'll stick with calling you a jag-off.

Realist723 wrote:

you guys are all so short-sighted and pissed off that you can't see the reason for the long extension. What top coach wants to come to the Panthers with their pathetic history, which started WAY before Martin's days?
Add to it that they could be out within a year because Martin's deal is up, why would any quality coach come here? This shows more stability in the GM position and is more attractive to the calibre of coach who's out there right now. Because he's signed that long has nothing to do with whether or not he'll stay that long. He's got work to do, he's wise to that.

Who says we get a "top coach"..Of course any "crotch-sniffing butt kisser" of Martins will gladly sign on. I'm sure with all the connections he has in the "OLD NHL" the list for crappy long-term coaches that would interest Martin is long and sad

In a previous article in the PBPost , Pat Quinn's comment was right on target. Here is a guy genuinely interested to coach the Panthers , a man with tons of experience at all levels -a man for all seasons !

Just a Thought wrote:

<quoted text>
Who says we get a "top coach"..Of course any "crotch-sniffing butt kisser" of Martins will gladly sign on. I'm sure with all the connections he has in the "OLD NHL" the list for crappy long-term coaches that would interest Martin is long and sad

Yeah, cause Pat Burns and Pat Quinn are butt-sniffers. Great use of words, you always this educated, or just when you're pathetically attempting to make a point?

Quenneville, Wilson, and maurice are great coaches as well. Get informed, "Hockey for Dummies" isn't too expensive!

Louie and Realist723, for being Rah Rah fans you disappoint me. I simply asked if it was really necessary to sign Martin for five more years. To that question I got the answer that I'm unknowledgable and I'm negative (as I predicted). So much for getting straight answer out of your guys. Enjoy next season because it will be exactly like this season was. And to respond to Louie's comment... you'll have plenty of chances to see good players come in our building. They just won't be ours. Too bad it is the only way we can even sell tickets now.

Realist723 wrote:

<quoted text>
Yeah, cause Pat Burns and Pat Quinn are butt-sniffers. Great use of words, you always this educated, or just when you're pathetically attempting to make a point?
Quenneville, Wilson, and maurice are great coaches as well. Get informed, "Hockey for Dummies" isn't too expensive!

If informed and knowledgable means signing an unsuccessful and inexperienced GM to a five year contract and thinking that's great. Oh well, I guess that makes me and several other posters unknowledgable. LMAO!

Realist723 wrote:

you guys are all so short-sighted and pissed off that you can't see the reason for the long extension. What top coach wants to come to the Panthers with their pathetic history, which started WAY before Martin's days?
Add to it that they could be out within a year because Martin's deal is up, why would any quality coach come here? This shows more stability in the GM position and is more attractive to the calibre of coach who's out there right now. Because he's signed that long has nothing to do with whether or not he'll stay that long. He's got work to do, he's wise to that.

I'll answer your question with a question. What coveted NHL coach worth his salt would want to play for a cheap owner and an inexperienced GM who doesn't know how to coach and would likely dictate what style the team will play and who will remain as assistant coach? Call me crazy, but I wouldn't be up for that if several other teams were interested in me. This almost assures us we will end up with a coach no one else wants thus keeping the trifecta of incompetence complete.(Bad GM, Bad players, Bad coach). Go Panthers!

Just a Thought wrote:

<quoted text>
I'll stick with calling you a jag-off.

Thanks! I can always count on you.

RED BARON wrote:

<quoted text>
If informed and knowledgable means signing an unsuccessful and inexperienced GM to a five year contract and thinking that's great. Oh well, I guess that makes me and several other posters unknowledgable. LMAO!

No, you're staying with Cohen and Martin when the conversation moved to the available coaches. I guess you think the guys available are all crap, too?

RED BARON wrote:

<quoted text>
I'll answer your question with a question. What coveted NHL coach worth his salt would want to play for a cheap owner and an inexperienced GM who doesn't know how to coach and would likely dictate what style the team will play and who will remain as assistant coach? Call me crazy, but I wouldn't be up for that if several other teams were interested in me. This almost assures us we will end up with a coach no one else wants thus keeping the trifecta of incompetence complete.(Bad GM, Bad players, Bad coach). Go Panthers!

The simple answer: Pat Quinn has said publicly that he's interested in the job. So, there you go. He crap? uh...no.

Where's your proof? Where does it say, show, or even hint that Martin's going to dictate anything, or that he's going to demand who stays on as assistant coach? You guys keep saying that, but it makes no sense. His name is attatched to whomever comes in, why would he not want the best guy available?

So far as Jacques not being able to coach, he won a Jack Adams, he just didn't do well here.

Again, how many successful GMs around the league would be successful coaches? You managed to miss that one.

RED BARON wrote:

Louie and Realist723, for being Rah Rah fans you disappoint me. I simply asked if it was really necessary to sign Martin for five more years. To that question I got the answer that I'm unknowledgable and I'm negative (as I predicted). So much for getting straight answer out of your guys. Enjoy next season because it will be exactly like this season was. And to respond to Louie's comment... you'll have plenty of chances to see good players come in our building. They just won't be ours. Too bad it is the only way we can even sell tickets now.

Oh, that question was in there? Sorry, I saw TBL being a team on it's way and couldn't get past that.

As i said already, it was important because it shows the coaching candidates that there's some stability in a previously unstable position. Which of Quinn, Burns, Quenneville, Wilson, or even Pearn or Savard want to come here if the GM they're coming to work for has only a year? That would mean he's got only a year at his new position. Who wants to move their family here to only find that he'll be out of a job in a year? Could be motivation to push hard for the playoffs, could be enough to keep them away.

so far as whether he'll be here for the next 4 years (it's currently 2008, not 2007), I'm sure that if Martin's team fails again, he won't be around through the end of the contract.

You rah-rah fans will reap what you sow. Don't you see that your contentedness with consistent mediocrity has been reflected in the team you support? If you are happy to pay your presumably hard-earned money just to see "any" NHL hockey in your nice Sunrise arena ... and don't even care who wins or who loses ... why should your teams ownership care, either?

You give them no reason to spend their money or their time developing a winning team. If you will pay up regardless, then they'll just go through the motions.

In a lot of markets, teams know that if they don't perform, they won't sell. So they DO perform ... out of necessity. Other organizations are owned and managed by people so competitve -- and such extreme fans of their sport -- that they'll do what it takes to win, no matter what. For themselves. Florida is not one of those teams.

You call us "fair weather fans" for bitching about nearly a decade without a playoff game win? Don't you think we wouldn't be here anymore if that was really the case?

The point of sport (at its highest level) is to compete. To be the best. To win. Winning is the ONLY point.

You want to participate in sport for FUN, or for physical fitness; that's fine. That's what Incredible Ice is for. You don't get to the NHL by chance. You get to the NHL by busting your ass and proving you're a winner. If you can't do that anymore, you don't deserve to stay.

And you that already renewed your season tickets for next year deserve every one of the 55-60 losses you'll get to witness next season. Enjoy.

As a fan, and I've never called any of you fair-weathered as I don't know your histories, I see the team on an upswing, not a downturn. I see what Martin is doing as getting up OUT of the perrenial re-building stage. We're constantly re-building due to the constant turnover and impatience with the many GMs' ideas to what this team should look like.

I"m not content, who said anything about being content? I just see the team for it is right now and don't see ANOTHER GM's sweeping changes as a posoitive. That's exactly what you get with a new GM and that literally hasn't worked in over a decade, why would it work now? It won't, we'd just wind up losing what we have and be in the same boat.

Listen, the Dolphins and Panthers seasons have been matching in craptitude for a reason. New GMs and coaches while not re-building properly. The Phins are re-building properly this off-season, the Panthers are over that stage. They have first round draft picks in Olesz, Horton, Weiss, Bouwmeester, and others I'm forgetting out there on the ice...

...There are 2 problems out on the ice to me. One, we need a coach who is able to get the most out of his players and not play such a defensive style. A coach like Quinn, Burns, Hartley, Wilson, or Quenneville will be able to do that. Even Pearn is highly touted around the league as being an offensively minded guy who works well with youngsters.

The other is the lazy players out there. Guys like Mezei and Stumpel need to go. We may not be able to get rid of Stumpel, but he had solid numbers before he was re-upped. Olli, Horton, and Bouw need to have their talent brought out and displayed on the ice.

we're not as far off as you guys make it sound and you haven't given a new coach a chance, you just assume Martin is looking for a puppet when nothing's come out anywhere close to that

We gave Martin his chance. I was happy to have him when he first was brought in. He's had four years (three on ice) to get this team over it's (at the time) slump. The team improved out of the lockout with Martin at the helm. They missed the playoffs by a wide Margin, but they seemed to be heading in the right direction -- until it came time to sign Roberto Luongo.

You can blame Keenan, but it became Martin's team when he signed off on the deal.

But even without Luongo, I was confident (naively) that team was STILL headed in the right direction. Auld and Belfour were expected to hold up well enough ... neither could replace Luongo but the team looked to be improving both defensively and offensively. Our young stars (early first round picks all) were getting older, bigger, more experienced. We had proven, veteran leadership (and four Stanley Cups) in Joey N. and Gary Roberts.

But did the team improve? Not a bit.
Just like the years before, they still had no REAL leadership from the bench, no heart, and no killer instinct. They still couldn't win the games they should have easily won. But every now and then, they WOULD play hard; and trounce top teams, and you'd see how if they only tried they'd really be as good as any team in the league.

Then for Martin's 3rd season, he once again had an All-Star goalie and a superb back-up; and he had (on paper) the best defense in years, and (potentially) the most potent offensive lines since Pavel and Victor were All-Stars.

All our young guys were yet another year more experienced. Our Captain was starting into his prime. For SURE we'd finally get out of this GIANT drought.

But what happened? NOTHING. Exactly the same number of points as the previous two years. All that talent - all that experience? WASTED. UNDERUTILIZED. DEMORALIZED.

And where are we now? Anyone with talent is desperate to escape this place. The bridges have all been burned. Martin was USELESS during the season, and totally CLASSLESS at the end of it. The only people willing to work with him now are people who don't have a choice. People trying to break into the NHL after years and years abroad or people who's NHL careers have wore out their welcome.

You've already seen it. And you'll continue to. I promise you that.

Honestly, I can't believe that anyone still supporting Cohen and Martin has followed this team for more than a couple years.

There is a cancer in this franchise. Probably the only way to get rid of it now is to get rid of everyone and anyone on this team who has an office in the BAC and doesn't wear skates to work.