Shawn Matthias had a goal and two assists as Florida beat the Islanders 4-2 on Saturday. Matthias had his first good game of the season. Kris Versteeg, Matt Bradley and Tim Kennedy all scored in the win as well. The Panthers are clicking with their mish-mash of players. Hey, whatever works, right?

Shawn Matthias (illness) didn't participate in Friday's practice. Matthias was too sick to play Thursday and he might also be kept out of Saturday's game. He has no points and a minus-two rating in five contests in 2011-12.

Shawn Matthias (illness) missed Thursday's contest. Matthias might be available for Saturday's game against the New York Islanders. He has no points and a minus-two rating in five contests this season.

Shawn Matthias did not skate on Thursday morning because of an illness. His status for Thursday's contest versus Buffalo may not be made until prior to game time. Matthias has no points and five shots in five contests this season.

Shawn Matthias appears to have earned his place with the Florida Panthers going into this season. Panthers coach Kevin Dineen was very pleased with the forward's play on Tuesday night during a 4-3 overtime loss to Dallas. Matthias picked up a five-minute major for fighting and had one shot on goal in about 13 minutes of ice time. We'll keep you posted.

Shawn Matthias and the Florida Panthers have reportedly agreed to a two-year contract. He will earn a guaranteed salary of $900,000 in the second year of his new deal, but for this coming campaign the contract is of the two-way variety. Matthias will make $803,000 if he plays in the NHL and $62,500 if he gets demoted to the minors. "I was very happy with the deal," said Matthias following an informal skate with his veteran teammates on Friday morning. "It's up to me now. I could go into camp with a clear mind, work my hardest, do the best I can. If I do that good things will happen."

Shawn Matthias has been practicing with his Florida teammates despite the fact that he is still waiting for a new contract. "I've been waiting all summer for a call to say it's being done," said Matthias, who is a restricted free agent. "I can only control working hard and coming in here and getting ready for camp as if I were signed." Florida assistant GM Mike Santos has said before that the team won't give him a one-way deal, but he believes that Matthias can win a roster spot out of training camp if he plays up to his abilities.

Contract negotiations between restricted free agent Shawn Matthias and the Florida Panthers have been held up because the team doesn't want to give him a one-way deal. "He and his agent can't wrap their heads around us not offering a one-way deal," said assistant GM Mike Santos. "I can't give him a one-way. I have to leave spots open for competition." Ryan Carter, Tim Kennedy and Evgeni Dadonov are vying for spots on the roster with Matthias after the Panthers brought in several new faces this past off-season.