Sunrise, Florida -- Juraj Kolnik is like most of the Florida Panthers, until this season he had no Playoff experience. Kolnik differs from all the other members of the Southern Cats because half way through this season he was still toiling in the minors.
Kolnik who had played 74 games in '03-04 and '04-05 under a different Panthers management was a player who was still trying to find his way in the NsHL. But just before his third season things changed in Florida as new GM McComish changed the look of the wingers on the pro roster.
"We brought in Williams and Pandolfo ... Miettinen was emerging," explained the GM. "We thought Juraj needed to find his game with Jacksonville."
Just when he thought he might become a permanent fixture in the "wrong" part of Florida. Kolnik was called up to replace Patrick Eaves in the line-up. Aside from his usual hard-hitting style, Kolnik potted two goals including the game-winner in Washington one night and had impressed enough to stay for the long haul.
"Every time I get a chance to get a shot I try to put the puck on the net,'' said Kolnik, who has two goals in his six playoff games. "Playing with Savvy and Calder, I just go to the net hard and try to bang in the corners.''
Whatever the strategy its paying off in the Playoffs. Kolnik is fourth on the team in Playoff scoring with 5 points in 6 games, including game winners in game three and five in the New Jersey series.
The amount of injuries suffered lately by the Panthers could mean the line of Kolnik, Savard and Calder will be skating as the top line in game two versus Philadelphia.
Game Notes: The Panthers wounded, Nathan Horton, Jason Spezza and Evgeni Malkin all skated today but none went all-out. All are listed with upper body injuries, Horton gave a thumbs up when asked if he will play in game two. Coach Keenan said both Malkin and Spezza will be game time decisions for game two.
The Philadelphia Flyers will have to play without defenseman Chris Phillips in game two tomorrow. Phillips has been given a one game suspension by the NsHL for his brutal hit on Malkin from game one.
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