Cats feel like dogs.

Vancouver -- As the NsHL Cup Final gets ready to begin later today the Florida Panthers are hoping to overcome the odds and win one more series.

Coach Keenan held his first press conference yesterday and told the media his team is a huge underdog. "The Canucks have a great team," explained Keenan. "They are everyone's choice. They are solid down the middle and we have always thought that was one of our strengths too."

The coach was quick with the cliche to the media. According to Keenan its the Panthers against the rest of the world. He said the Cats have to take it one game at a time. He was also very kind to Patrick Lalime saying "Our goalie has really bailed us out."

With the cliches out of the way he complained that his GM is jinxing his team and he even took a few shots at his players for carrying the trophy around Scotiabank Place last week. "I guess we should have explained to these guys what you do with the trophy," said Keenan. "Don't touch it!!"

Panthers players Mike Sillinger and Jay Pandolfo skated around the Ottawa rink with the trophy and then rushed it into the dressing room where it was hoisted by all the players.

"This team is killing me," said Keenan. "You know i had a full head of hair last week. Now its gone."

Game notes: The Panthers head into the Final as healthy as can be expected at this time of year. Lalime has recovered from the injury which forced him out of game four against the Sens. Keenan has confirmed Lalime will start the opener ..... a few line-up changes are planned by the Panthers but Keenan was tight lipped about what that could mean ...... one switch in practice had Marc Savard skating with wingers Kyle Calder and Juraj Kolnik ........ secondary scoring will need to continue if the Southern Cats have a chance of beating the Canucks ....... Nathan Horton, Kolnik, Calder, Savard and Justin Williams will all need to be at their best in the NsHL Final.