Just correcting something from my previous post. The Rangers host the Panthers Sunday at MSG. Not Saturday. The Kings don’t visit until the following Sunday Nov. 17. That’ll be my second game. Hope to see some followers there.

A bit more on the firing of Kevin Dineen. That included his entire coaching staff with assistants Gord Murphy and Craig Ramsay. They were 3-9-4 through 16 games sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division. During a season worst seven-game losing streak (0-3-4), the Panthers have been outscored 21-11. That excludes three shootout losses. Five of the seven have been close with three decided by skill competitions and one in overtime.

It’s hard to grasp what exactly Florida management expects in a total rebuild. Last year’s Calder winner Jonathan Huberdeau is off to a slow start with eight points (3-5-8) so far. Vet pivot Tomas Fleischmann leads them with 11. Rookie Aleksander Barkov has three goals and four assists. One of the leaders from a surprising team two years ago that pushed the Devils seven games, Kris Versteeg only has two goals so far. When Scott Gomez is looked upon for offense, it doesn’t speak too highly. Tomas Kopecky is without a point. They’re also without Tim Thomas, who’s been out two weeks after suffering a lower body injury. That’s left the goaltending mostly to Jacob Markstrom, who’s struggled mightily posting a 3.36 GAA and .877 save percentage. Scott Clemmensen is the backup.

General Manager Dale Tallon named Peter Horachek interim coach. He was coaching AHL affiliate San Antonio. Maybe he’s banking on him to provide a spark. Horachek’s assistants include former NHLers Brian Skrudland and John Madden. The popular former Devil checking center who helped them win two Stanley Cups. Known as Madd Dog, he carved out a nice career that included a third Cup with Chicago and a Selke for league’s top defensive forward. He was working as a pro scout for the organization where he retired in ’11-12.

What does it all mean? Probably just more reason for the Rangers to not take them lightly. The Panthers have given them trouble in the past. They can’t be lulled to sleep. With the Devils also visiting Tuesday, those are two games they should win. Yes. New Jersey earned a point in tonight’s Hockey Hall Of Fame Game at Toronto falling in the shootout. A place they still haven’t scored going 0 for 15. However, the Devils already beat us once. A game that was uncompetitive. Against a bitter rival, that’s inexcusable. They better get these two games. No ifs, ands or buts.