Bouwmeester Radio Interview

Florida dressed a lot of players unlikely to make the big club this season against a large number of NHLers from the Flames. The Cats battled back after falling behind, but 6 unanswered Calgary goals put a cap on the game. A couple of guys had good games; Franklin MacDonald, one of nine defensemen dressed, picked up a pair of assists and a couple of shots, finishing even on the night, and Ville Peltonen, easily the Panthers' best player tonight, finished a -1, but he had a goal, three shots, two blocked shots, a takeaway and a hit. The Panthers still have two more games the next two days, but then they don't play again until October 6th, back home against the Islanders.

Before the game, Calgary's Fan 960 took time to interview Panthers' defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, touching on his thoughts on the team, future with the team, the Jokinen trade and the new coach.

Thoughts on the team:

"There's sort of a different attitude this year. We've been pretty positive. So far. Our defense is no question the best since I've been here and as a defenseman that's exciting. Hopefully you don't have to play much in your own end. Make those passes, get out of your end and go on offense. Things have been progressing along. It's really hard to tell this early but everyone has a positive attitude and things look good."

Contract:

"Throughout the year you're gonna see what's going on and hopefully things are going to take a turn for the better. We'll see. Can't do anything 'til january anyway. So I'm not going to worry. Not making the playoffs, it's kinda tough to swallow every year. We should have a better team as long as we do the things we're supposed to."

Olli trade:

"Those things happen. It worked out pretty well. We got a couple of good, solid guys in return. Hopefully for him it works out too. It's one of those things that happens. There's always plenty of new faces."

And his thoughts on getting a ton of ice-time in the first game of the pre-season:

"You don't know what to expect the first time out. It's always good to jump in and have a bit of intensity. Earlier, I was a little shaky but it was a good game. Hopefully things better as you go along."