Pitkanen to miss Panthers game

Defenseman Joni Pitkanen will not play tonight against the Florida Panthers but could return for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay, coach Paul Maurice said today. "It's more about how he feels," Maurice said. "We're real happy about the way the knee looks, his strength and all that. But he's not ready to go, and confidence and a comfort is so important for a defenseman." Pitkanen, who had knee surgery Sept. 10, missed the first two games. He played against Tampa Bay on Tuesday but sat out the third period because of stiffness and soreness in the knee. Maurice said the 2-1 shootout win over the Lightning kept the Canes from being a little more "grumpier" than losing the first three. "One game makes you feel good until they drop the puck and then you get on to the next one," he said. "You see it around the league: teams win big and then lose big the next night. So you don't get too excited." On the P...