from George Richards of On Frozen Pond,

There is some optimism a deal will get done especially after the league's latest proposal. Yet expectations are games will be missed. So what exactly are these players doing working out in August?

"Getting ready for November,'' joked one former Panthers player who asked not to be identified. "I hope we play in October. But I also hope we play in November. We're still getting ready.''...

The Florida Panthers are scheduled to open the 2012-13 season at home against Tampa Bay on Oct. 13.

"I'm optimistic we're going to get something done,'' Panthers defenseman Ed Jovanovski said. "You see a business side in every sport. Everyone wants a fair deal. As players, we're more than willing to make things fair. But there are 700 people in our union and everything has to be agreed upon. I just hope we don't miss any hockey.''...

"The last time around, I was 27 so I dealt with it as 'oh, I have a lot more years left','' Panthers goalie Jose Theodore said. "We had a good thing going last year and we really want to get back at it. I'm preparing as if nothing is going to happen, but you have it in the back of your mind. You worry this thing might drag out.''

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