Former Viper Mike Santorelli & The Panthers Clinch Playoff Spot For First Time In Twelve Years:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Mike Santorelli and the Florida Panthers clinched a playoff spot this season for the first time since 2000. Santorelli and the Panthers will open the 2012 NHL playoffs vs the New Jersey Devils starting with Game 1 Friday, April 13th in Florida. Santorelli was drafted by the Nashville Predators in round 6 #178 overall at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft before being traded to the Panthers back on August, 5th 2010.  Santorelli played in 60 regular season games this season collecting (9-2-11). Santorelli played one season in Vernon (2003-2004) In 60 regular season games with the Vipers Santorelli collected (43-53-96).

Mike Santorelli's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=76527

This is posted on the Panthers website:

Southeast Division Champion Florida Panthers To Open Stanley Cup Playoffs On Friday, April 13

Sunday, 04.08.2012

SUNRISE, FL – The National Hockey League today announced the dates, times and national broadcast information for the 2012 Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinal round. The Florida Panthers will open the 2012 playoffs presented by Party City as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and will host the No. 6 seed New Jersey Devils in a best-of-seven series. A complete series schedule can be found below.

#3 Florida vs. #6 New Jersey

Friday, April 13, 2012 New Jersey at Florida
Sunday, April 15, 2012 New Jersey at Florida
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Florida at New Jersey
Thursday, April 19, 2012 Florida at New Jersey
*Saturday, April 21, 2012 New Jersey at Florida
*Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Florida at New Jersey
*Thursday, April 26, 2012 New Jersey at Florida

(* indicates if necessary)