Strachan gets one-year extension
--The Panthers signed defenseman Tyson Strachan to a one-year contract extension Wednesday. The new pact is worth $600,000 and includes his first one-way agreement.
Strachan said the Panthers started conversations with him and his agent on Monday morning -- not long after Strachan scored his first NHL goal, in his 75th game, the day before against the Islanders.
"It's nice to know they're thinking of me for the future," Strachan said. "That's exciting."
Strachan started the season with Florida's AHL team in San Antonio but was called up when Dmitry Kulikov was hurt last month. Strachan played in his ninth game on Wednesday night and has played well in place of Kulikov.
"He definitely looks like he belongs out there," coach Kevin Dineen said.
--D Mike Weaver and Erik Gudbranson lost their locks on Monday as they had their heads shaved for charity. The duo raised over $2,600 through online donations for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, which provides money for pediatric cancer. The Florida Panthers Foundation donated $5,000 as well.
The cause is close to Gudbranson's heart. Younger brother Dennis, who plays for Kingston of the OHL, battled leukemia.
"This is for the little kids who are going through tough times," Erik Gudbranson said. "The biggest thing is bringing some smiles to those young faces. This gives them a glimmer of hope, and that's huge. Moral support is everything sometimes."
--D Jason Garrison was injured Saturday in Florida's 3-1 win over New Jersey. Dineen said he would be out through next week with the undisclosed "lower body" injury. "That's a big hole in our lineup," Dineen said.
--Florida is 14-6-7 at home this season and the Panthers' six regulation losses at home are tied with the Rangers for fewest in the Eastern Conference. The six regulation losses are tied for third fewest in the league behind Detroit (two) and St. Louis (three).
--The Panthers may have lost 6-2 to the Senators, but they went down firing. Florida's 44 shots against the Senators set a season high. The Panthers previously took aim 43 times in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Blackhawks in November.
--Ottawa's six goals were the most the Panthers have allowed at home this season.
--G Scott Clemmensen allowed four goals on 16 shots and was replaced by Jose Theodore in the second period. Theodore surrendered two goals on 15 shots.
--Florida has allowed the opening goal in three straight games -- and five of its past six.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"They got a couple goals bang-bang. The rain kept falling from there. Obviously it was a disappointing game in front of our home fans. This was not a good showing by us." -- Coach Kevin Dineen after Ottawa's 6-2 win over the Panthers.
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