Chirping the Cats

Episode 63 of the Chirping the Cats podcast looks at what has gone wrong with the Florida Panthers lately as they went from a team charging toward a playoff spot to one suddenly falling out of contention.   One week ago, Florida held the second Wild Card spot and was riding a seven-game points streak. Four straight losses later the Panthers are reeling and in need of an immediate turnaround if they want to maintain any shot at making the playoffs.

On Episode 62 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork discusses whether the Panthers are really turning around their season and if they have the goaltending to support such a transition. Also discussed are several players who are trending upwards, the ageless Eric Stall, the enigma that is Aaron Ekblad, the latest on Anthony Duclair and a visit to the rumor mill ahead of the Trade Deadline.

On Episode 61 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork welcomes back friend of the pod Roy Bellamy from the Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz. On the pod, David and Roy discuss the Panthers possibly turning their season around as we near the All-Star Break, debate a recent Panthers-themed Mount Rushmore and discuss their visit to Toronto for Roberto Luongo's Hockey Hall of Fame induction.

Episode 60 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features special guest Colby Guy from Florida Hockey Now and takes a look at some key Panthers issues as the team prepares to enter the annual NHL Holiday Break. Colby joins CTC host David Dwork to discuss the job so far by Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice, the team's injury woes, the surprising play of several defenders, whether Florida's goaltending is good enough to win during the playoffs and lots more.

On Episode 59 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, we take a deep dive into the new-look Panthers start of the season. Host David Dwork discusses and analyzes most players on the roster, the power play, the goaltending and fallout from defenseman Aaron Ekblad being put on LTIR.

On Episode 58 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork poses some interesting questions surround the Panthers as the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners get set to kick off 2022 Training Camp in Coral Springs. Also on this episode, we hear from a Panthers prospects Justin Sourdif, Braden Haché and Nathan Staios. Each youngster sat down for an exclusive, albeit quick chat just for the listeners of Chirping the Cats.

Just when you thought the Panthers were done making moves, they go and pull off one of the biggest trades the league has seen in years. Florida acquired Matthew Tkachuk from Calgary in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt and a first-round pick. It was a massive haul to pay for one player, but the 24-year-old Tkachuk is someone GM Bill Zito called a "unicorn" due to his unique, vast and high-end skillset. The Panthers introduced Tkachuk to South Florida with a press conference at FLA Live Arena, and Episode 57 of the CTC pod features some of the most interesting and thoughtful sound bites from the presser.

It was a busy week around the Florida Panthers as the 2021-22 NHL season finally came to a close. First, the Panthers hired Paul Maurice to be the team's next head coach, and a few days later Roberto Luongo was announced as member of the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2022. A new coach, a Hall of Fame goalie, and several other Panthers topics, including a key injury and another goalie to congratulate, are discussed by host David Dwork on this episode of the CTC pod.

After taking a few days to process the Florida Panthers season ending in a stunning Second Round sweep at the hands of back-to-back Stanley Cup Champ Tampa Bay, Episode 55 of the Chirping the Cats podcast looks back at what was the best and most exhilarating Panthers season in decades. CTC host David Dwork is joined by Erin Brown of The Hockey News to talk about what went wrong in the playoffs, what they liked about the season, what the future may hold for the Cats and lots of things in-between.

On Episode 54 of the Chirping the Cats podcast host David Dwork is joined by Roy Bellamy of the Dan LeBatard Show Because Miami with and Montgomery and Co. to discuss the upcoming grudge match second round playoff series between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Dave and Roy discuss what makes this year different than last season, when Tampa beat the Panthers in six games during round one, what the X-factors of the series could be, how Brayden Point's injury could impact things and lots more. Roy also discusses his trip to Washington D.C. to cover Game 6 against the Capitals, including a full analysis of the press box food situation.

Episode 53 of the Chirping the Cats podcast is all about the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Host David Dwork is joined by ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski. They preview the opening round series between the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals while also discussing what they like and are looking forward to seeing across the landscape of the NHL's first round series'. Dave also sits down for a quick chat with Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling to discuss what makes Florida such a good team, why he thinks they'll succeed during the playoffs and the job that Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette has done since taking over eight games into the season.

On Episode 52 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork welcomes longtime Washington Capitals and NHL reporter Tarik El-Bashir. They dive into the Stanley Cup Playoff First Round series between the Panthers and Capitals, discussing the health status of Alex Ovechkin, the normally scary Caps' power play, Washington's concerns in goal and how much fun it will be watching tough guys like Tom Wilson, Ryan Lomberg, Garnet Hathaway, Radko Gudas and Patric Hornqvist give everything they have for their respective teams.

Episode 51 of the Chirping the Cats podcast highlights a handful of important topics as the Panthers prepare for what they hope is a long run through the Stanley Cup Playoffs. CTC host David Dwork discusses the superb play of Hart Trophy candidate Jonathan Huberdeau, rookie Anton Lundell and defenseman Gus Forsling, how Florida's goaltenders are performing heading into the playoffs, head coach Andrew Brunette being in the discussion for the Jack Adams Trophy and how he's been handing the defensive pairings.

On Episode 50 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork is joined by NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. The two Daves discuss the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline and break down the moves made by the Florida Panthers as the team pursues the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Episode 49 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features a one-on-one chat with a Florida Panthers defenseman known for his edge and his facial hair. On this episode, host David Dwork sits down with Panthers d-man Radko Gudas and asks about his role with the team, his love for South Florida, his eye for fashion, his nickname, playoff bears and much more.

On Episode 48 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork is joined by former Florida Panthers player and current Panthers radio color commentator Bill Lindsay. On the pod, Dave and Billy discuss what has helped Florida become one of the best teams in the NHL this season, the job that Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette has done to this point, and how interested the Panthers might be in Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

On Episode 47 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork is joined by Local 10 News' Ian Margol and the two team up to compare notes on the Panthers season so far. Dave and Ian go up and down Florida's roster, analyzing the performance of several players and discussing they liked, what they didn't, and how the lineup is coming together as the season nears its midway point.

On Episode 46 of the Chirping the Cats, it's all about Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg. CTC host David Dwork gets into some of the ways Lomberg has taken his game up a notch this season, and how it's led to him earning an everyday spot in the lineup, but that's not all, as Dave sits down for a chat with Lombo, where they discuss how much he enjoys his job, what he's doing differently, how hard he works, hair flips, bench chirps and lots more.

On Episode 45 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork is joined by Mike Kelly of the NHL Network and Sportlogiq. Mike famously picked the Panthers as his Stanley Cup winner before the season started, so Dave checked in to see what went into that decision and whether he still stands by his pick. Dave and Mike also chat about the Panthers season, what makes them so good, what their biggest challenges may be and lots more!

Episode 44 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features one of the newest Panthers players, forward Sam Reinhart. CTC host David Dwork sits down for a quick chat with Reinhart, where they discuss the Panthers tight-knit locker room and some of the characters that make it what it is. The funniest Panther, the guy who chirps the most and Frank Vatrano's music selections were just some of the things Reinhart was asked about.

On Episode 43 of the Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork dives into the Florida Panthers' hot start to the season and some of the things that are standing out after the first nine games. Also, NHL insider and Editor and Chief of The Fourth Period David Pagnotta joins the podcast to discuss the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal that led to Florida head coach Joel Quenneville's resignation.

Episode 42 of the Chirping the Cats podcast takes a dive into the Florida Panthers 2021-22 Opening Night roster, breaking down the first set of expected lines and pairings put together by head coach Joel Quenneville. Also on the podcast, we hear from Panthers General Manager Bill Zito, who spoke about a bevy of topics, including his offseason moves, differences he notices in the team, how he communicates with his players and whether South Florida is a legitimate hockey market.

On Episode 41 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork touches on several key players and storylines as the Florida Panthers continue moving toward the end of training camp and toward Opening Night of the 2021-22 NHL season. Discussed on the pod are Panthers captain Sasha Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky and Spencer Knight, the team's special teams units and much more.

On Episode 40 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork dives into the earliest stages of the 2021-22 Florida Panthers season. From the team's Development Camp and Prospect Showcase Tournament to the ongoing Training Camp and NHL Preseason, Dave breaks down what he's observed what looks ahead to what Florida's highly competitive roster bubble will look like.

Episode 39 of the Chirping the Cats podcast previews the Florida Panthers' 2021 Development Camp. Host David Dwork breaks down several players on the roster, including a handful that could make an impact in the NHL this season. Also discussed is the Prospect Showcase Tournament that the Panthers youngsters will participate in, competing in a round-robin with prospects from Tampa Bay, Nashville and Carolina.

Chirping the Cats Episode 38 is the final installment of our three-part series of favorite Florida Panthers memories. Tune in as host David Dwork speaks to a variety of guests, including former players, current and former broadcasters, and members of the media, to get a varying perspective of favorite Florida Panthers memories from the team's nearly 30 years of existence. Part three includes interviews with Panthers website reporter Jameson Olive, producer of the Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz Roy Bellamy, former Panthers player and current radio analyst Bill Lindsay, former Panthers radio host Alex Donno and former Panthers beat reporter for the Sun-Sentinel Michael Russo.

Chirping the Cats Episode 37 is part two of our three-part series of favorite Florida Panthers memories in which host David Dwork speaks to a variety of guests, including former players, current and former broadcasters, and members of the media, to get a varying perspective of favorite Florida Panthers memories from the team's nearly 30 years of existence. Part two features interviews with former Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen, longtime Panthers follower and Local 10 reporter Ian Margol, Panthers television host and sideline reporter Jessica Blaylock, Florida Hockey Now beat writer George Richards, who has been covering the team for nearly 20 years, New Found Glory bass player and Panthers fan Ian Grushka and Panthers television play by play voice Steve Goldstein.

Chirping the Cats Episode 36 is the first of a three-part series in which host David Dwork speaks to a variety of guests, including former players, current and former broadcasters, and members of the media, to get a varying perspective of favorite Florida Panthers memories from the team's nearly 30 years of existence. This episode features interviews with longtime host and broadcaster Craig Minervini, BB&T Center PA voice Andrew Imber, original Panthers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, former Panthers player and current broadcaster Randy Moller, former Panthers goalie Mike McKenna and Panthers radio play-by-play voice Doug Plagens.

On Episode 35 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork takes a look at the Panthers offseason, from a busy couple of days during the NHL Draft to a flurry of moves that saw general manager Bill Zito double down on a lot of the additions he made last offseason.  This episode also provides updates on contract negotiations with Sam Reinhart and Sasha Barkov, and also examines how Florida's forward lines and defensive pairings may look when the season arrives in October.

On Episode 34 of the Chirping the Cats Podcast, host David Dwork takes a look at the team's fully healthy forward ranks and dissects how they're shaping up heading into the postseason. Also on this episode, Panthers forward Noel Acciari sits down for a chat with Dave and they discuss the upcoming playoffs, team camaraderie, locker room victory rituals and more.

Episode 33 of the Chirping the Cats podcast examines the moves made by Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito around the NHL Trade Deadline. Florida acquired several players, including Brandon Montour, Sam Bennett and Nikita Gusev.

On Episode 32 of Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork is joined by Florida Panthers radio play-by-play voice Doug Plagens. Dave and Doug discuss into the current state of the team, how well the team has meshed both on and off the ice and give credit to first year general manager Bill Zito for bringing in players who instantly have fit into head coach Joel Quenneville's systems. They also chat about Doug's love for the game of baseball and his affinity for ballpark road trips, how he got started as a broadcaster and also the time-honored tradition of collecting sports cards, something both Doug and David have enjoyed doing for much of their lives.

Episode 31 of Chirping the Cats is a doozy as Local 10's David Dwork and Ian Margol dive into a plethora of Panthers topics as the team nears the halfway point of what has so far been a very successful season. Some of the topics discussed were weather goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has returned to the form that made him one of the top netminders in the league, the emergence of Mason Marchment, the solid all-around game of Frank Vatrano, a breakdown of how youngsters Owen Tippett and Grigori Denisenko are developing, and an analysis of waiver ware pickup Gustav Forsling.

A new Panthers season is upon us and that's the topic on Episode 30 of the Chirping the Cats podcast. Host David Dwork is joined by Local 10 reporter and former goaltender Ian Margol and Roy Bellamy, producer of the Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz and avoid hockey follower.

On Episode 29 of the Chirping the Cats Podcast host David Dwork is joined by Local 10's Ian Margol. The two goaltenders and hockey aficionados dive into the details of the NHL's plan for the 2020-21 season, including roster sizes, important dates and Florida's newly aligned division.  Dave and Ian also discuss the Panthers signing of speedy winger Anthony Duclair and where he fits in Florida's forward ranks, as well as the attempt by new GM Bill Zito to change the culture in and around the Cats' dressing room. 

Episode 28 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features another great goalie chat, as this time we sit down with Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger. Host David Dwork chats with Driedgs about how he feels heading into the new season and what he thinks about the moves made by new GM Bill Zito.  They also discuss Driedger's experience with yoga and how he incorporates it into his preparation, some of his favorite (and least favorite) buildings to play in, and of course, goalie pads. 

Episode 27 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features a great goalie chat with 14-year veteran of the NHL and AHL Mike McKenna. He and host David Dwork chat about his brief time with the Panthers, where he had a front row seat to the dysfunction of 2016 in which Tom Rowe was named GM, Erik Gudbranson was traded, and Gerard Gallant was fired, all in the span of seven months. Mike also talks about his impressive career that spanned nine NHL teams and more stops in the AHL than he could remember (not really, but close), the time his team's bus caught fire on the way to a game and then playing in gear that reeked of smoke, his favorite buildings to visit and so much more! 

On Episode 26 of Chirping the Cats we discuss a few of the Florida Panthers' key prospects looking to make the jump to the NHL, as well as several of Florida's recent roster additions, with NHL.com's AHL correspondent Patrick Williams. He has seen a lot of each player discussed on this episode and provides firsthand knowledge and educated insight into a group of players who the Panthers hope will be key elements to the upcoming season and beyond.  

Episode 25 of the Chirping the Cats podcast is all about the handful of new additions made by the Florida Panthers during the first week of free agency. We hear from new Panthers players Markus Nutivaara, Radko Gudas, Carter Verhaeghe, Alexander Wennberg and Vinny Hinostroza, as well as general manager Bill Zito, as they talk about the process of a crazy offseason that landed each of them in South Florida. 

On Episode 24 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, we hear from the newest member of the Florida Panthers, forward Patric Hornqvist. He discusses what the trade process was like, his feelings about leaving Pittsburgh, why he's excited about coming to Florida and what helped convince him to approve the trade. 

On Episode 23 of Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork dives into new Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito with a few people who know him well. Alison Lukan and Aaron Portzline, who cover the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Athletic, provide insight into Zito from a journalist's perspective, and then Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen discusses why his close friend and now-former colleague is the best man for the Panthers job.

Episode 22 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features former Florida Panthers goaltender and veteran of over 800 NHL games Sean Burke. He joins host David Dwork to discuss his time with the Cats, some career defining moments and his tireless work as the General Manager for Team Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics. They also chat about goalie gear, favorite teammates and Sean's final act as a member of the Florida Panthers.

On Episode 21 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork is joined by former Florida Panthers player and current team radio analyst Billy Lindsay to discuss some of the biggest moments and surprises from the regular season. They also chat about the NHL moving into Phase 3 of its Return to Play plan, and what that means for the Panthers.  

On Episode 20 of Chirping the Cats, host David Dwork breaks down the NHL's 24-team playoff format and its Return to Play Plan. Also, Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson discusses his responsibilities as the team's NHLPA Player Rep as negotiations continue between the players and the league towards resuming the season.

Episode 19 of the Chirping the Cats podcast features something a little different than we've done before. Longtime South Florida sports reporter currently working at the Florida Atlantic University athletic department Frank Forte, former Panthers Radio Network anchor Kevin Rogers and Local 10 reporter and avid Panthers follower Ian Margol join Chirping the Cats host David Dwork for a roundtable discussion in which they give their varying perspectives on some Panthers history and chat about their all-time favorite players. 

Episode 18 of Chirping the Cats features the Florida Panthers original marquee player and a big part of the team's early success, goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck. David and John discuss playing for legendary head coach Herb Brooks, a couple of amazing playoff runs, including Florida's march to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final, his iconic Panthers goalie helmet, becoming an executive for USA Hockey and much more.

On Episode 17 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork chats with Brendan Tobin, host of “Tobin and Leroy” on 790 The Ticket. This season, Brendan has been getting a lot of one-on-one time with Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, as Bob has been a regular guest on Tobin’s radio show. That had led to some amusing stories and funny moments between the two, and Brendan joined Chirping the Cats to share some of those great stories.

On Episode 16 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork chats with Florida Panthers public address announcer Andrew Imber.

For Episode 15 of the Chirping the Cats podcast, host David Dwork hits the road with the Panthers in Las Vegas and Arizona, covering a trip that included the days leading up to and after the trade deadline. David takes you through the arenas and to each practice, game and inside the Panthers locker room for unique access to the team during an incredibly interesting few days. 

On Episode 14 of Chirping the Cats, David is joined by Ian Grushka, a founding member of the globally popular band New Found Glory, who also happens to be a huge Florida Panthers fan. Ian discusses growing up a hockey fan, forming New Found Glory. and how music and being a sports fan has shaped his life over the past two-plus decades.

Episode 13 of Chirping the Cats features former Florida Panthers forward and current sports agent Serge Payer. Serge discusses overcoming the obstacles that came with being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, which almost ended his hockey career before it really got started. He also talks about becoming an agent, scouting clients, 2020 NHL Draft prospects and some of his favorite former Panthers teammates.