Theodore, Cats Blank Isles

UNIONDALE, NY — The expectations for the Florida Panthers are high this season. After a dismal end to the 2010-2011 season, the Panthers and GM Dale Tallon entered the off-season looking to bring in young talent and cagy veterans to create a new product intent on winning. The Cats took a big step forward Saturday night. Against a young, upstart Islanders team, Jose Theodore made his first start in net for the Panthers and gave fans reason to believe after just one game. The former Vezina trophy winner stopped all 27 shots he faced as the Panthers spoiled the Islanders’ home opener. Theodore benefited greatly from a re-vamped defense and a focused penalty kill unit. The Islanders went 0-3 on the power play as Brian Campbell and Jason Garrison shut down the point for most of the night. Campbell earned second-star honors for his effort as he recorded a plus-1 rating, three blocked shots and added two helpers in the 2-0 win. Brian Campbell was everywhere for the Panthers Sat...