Forgive the Florida Panthers players if they slept with one eye open when they hunkered down for their pre-game nap Tuesday afternoon before facing the Senators at the BB&T Center.
Across town, the Broward County Commissioners voted to accept an $86-million bailout package to keep the financially strapped Panthers in town. For those players who have set down roots here, it was good news because they don't want to see the Florida franchise moved anytime soon.
Among those hoping for a good result was Panthers defenceman Erik Gudbranson. He grew up in Orléans but now makes his home in Florida after spending the last five seasons with the Panthers.