SLIDESHOW: Caps at Panthers, 3/17/2009

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

We were able to squeeze in a hockey game in the middle of our 7th annual MLB spring training pilgrimage to Florida! The Caps just so happened to be playing in Florida and beat the Panthers 3-0.

We were hoping that Ovechkin would score goal #50 that night, but no such luck. We did get to see the only two left-handed goalies in the league start in the same game!

Dave did a review of the game, however, thought I would give a little more color to the night with some photos.

It was our first time to Bank Atlantic Arena and definitely a first time walking through a palm-tree lined walkway to get to a hockey game!

Here are 10 observations that we made that night:

1. Before the game, the Panthers starting lineup was announced, however, not the Caps!

2. We are spoiled by Verizon Center's gorgeous HD Scoreboard.

Their scoreboard is a little outdated.

3. There are no TVs in corridor so you cannot see game if you get up to get food or drink.

4. Food was delicious for arena food. Very tasty.

5. There is an ABSOLUT BAR!! Very cool. Grab 'n Go bars are good idea too.

6. The crowd is not very lively and no "horn guy" or "GOAT" in their arena. They did have the "Cat"Ling Gun which shot off about 20 t-shirts at the same time which was pretty darn cool.


7. The team store is HUGE and they carry gear for ALL NHL teams! Nice stuff.

8. The Panthers have a nice display of memorabilia and historic moments.

9. They have ice dancers. Yes, ice dancers, however, they do not dance anywhere near the ice! All of the Caps fans around us had the same reaction we did. Wow. Followed by being horrified. The girls "dance" all game and do a few things between periods as well. I captured a few seconds of the St. Patrick's Day dance (I just couldn't bring myself to record more than I did!). The following video is posted especially for those who were outraged by the "Red Rockers."

10. Verizon Center is the best place to watch hockey. :)

HERE IS THE COMPLETE SLIDESHOW FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.

All photos (c) C. Nichols 2009. All rights reserved.