The NHLPA is expected to approve decertification on Friday. Voting ends for the union's 700-plus members at noon. Authorization to "file a disclaimer of interest" in order to decertify is presumed to be the overwhelming result. This would allow players to file antitrust suits against the league to end a lockout that is about to enter its fifth month. "Right now, anything different to make the process move forward has to be looked at as good news," Jose Theodore said. "We have tried pretty much everything so far. I think we have given up a lot and have always offered to talk. They are the ones who always want to take breaks and don't want to negotiate. If you see things aren't moving, you have nothing to lose. We're not playing. Things aren't going in the right direction."

Jose Theodore and some locked-out Florida teammates are trying to make "the best out of a bad situation." "Honestly, this group is having a good time together," Theodore said. "We're in Florida, so that's pretty good. It's starting to get cold everywhere else. We're coming here and working hard and it's not the best scenario - I would rather be playing games - but afterward we can play tennis or golf." The group consists of 10 players who meet at the Panthers' training facility three times a week.

Jose Theodore, who has already been through one lockout, admitted that he is concerned about the possibility of being locked out again. "The last time around, I was 27 so I dealt with it as, 'Oh, I have a lot more years left,' " 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." The Florida Panthers made the playoffs in 2011-12 for the first time since 2000, but lost in the first round. This is a critical season for them as they try to take their team to the next level.

Jose Theodore said he isn't bothered by the rumors that Florida may be interested in adding Roberto Luongo from the Vancouver Canucks. "Not at all. But as of now it's just rumors," he said. "You are always going to hear talk of this or that, but it doesn't take away from the team and what we have. Nothing can take away from what we did as a team last year. It doesn't bother me at all. It doesn't change how I wake up in the morning or sleep at night. It's not going to change how I prepare myself. It doesn't change anything." He wouldn't say if he has been asked to waive his no trade clause, but he did say that he hasn't talked with the Panthers nor the Canucks about a move. The CBA negotiations have disrupted any possible wheeling and dealing, but there's the possibility that something could get done shortly after a new labor agreement is in place.

Jose Theodore says he hasn't spoken to Florida nor Vancouver about a possible trade. The Panthers goalie has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he would have to approve of any deal. Florida has been mentioned as a destination for Roberto Luongo since the off-season began and rumors have suggested that the Canucks may want another netminder in return. However, Theodore did say that he wants to stay with the Panthers.

Jose Theodore wanted to prove his doubters wrong and it's fair to say that he accomplished that feat during the 2011-12 campaign. He was a pivotal contributor in helping the Florida Panthers capture the Southeast Division title and qualify for the postseason when they were predicted by many to end up near the bottom of the NHL standings. Theodore's numbers weren't spectacular from a fantasy perspective, but his 22-16-11, record, 2.46 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage were serviceable statistics for depth purposes on most teams. He'll likely occupy the crease for the Panthers next year as well unless prospect Jacob Markstrom is ready to take the reigns.

Jose Theodore had 33 saves in the Florida Panthers' 4-3 double-overtime loss in Game 7 of the first-round series with the New Jersey Devils. The Panthers were down two a period and half into the game, but Theodore stuck with it and his teammates were able to knot it up in the third and force overtime. Finishing top in the Southeast Division, Florida was a nice story this season after an offseason overhaul. However, the goaltending was an Achilles' heel. The last time the Panthers got out of the first round was the 1995-96 season when they lost in the Stanley Cup.

Jose Theodore is ready to return to Florida's lineup on Thursday night for Game 7, which means he'll likely start against the visiting New Jersey Devils. Coach Kevin Dineen stopped short of declaring Theodore good to go after the morning skate, but he will play. The Florida bench boss said on Wednesday that if Theodore is healthy enough then he would get the nod.

Jose Theodore skated on Wednesday morning after sitting out Game 6 because of a lower-body injury. Coach Kevin Dineen said that if Theodore is available for Game 7 on Thursday night then he'll face the New Jersey Devils. He's expected to be a game-time decision.

A hurting Jose Theodore will not start Game 6 against the Devils tonight in Newark. Thanks to Theodore's 3-0 shutout victory in Game 5, Florida is within a victory of closing out the Devils. Instead of being the man between the pipes to help toward that cause, the veteran netminder will give way to Scott Clemmensen.