When Dominic Moore finally arrived at the Panthers training facility in Coral Springs on Wednesday morning, he was introduced to coach Pete DeBoer's dry humor.

Moore signed with the Panthers on Oct. 5, but didn't get his work visa from the U.S. government until this week. The Panthers knew it would take time, but didn't expect Moore's paperwork to take so long.

``He must have a criminal record as far as my arm or something,'' DeBoer said. ``I don't know what the problem was. He brings some energy, some speed, good at faceoffs. . . . He brings some things to the table that we surely need.''

With Moore now in the fold, the team sent fourth-line center Shawn Matthias back to its American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, N.Y. Matthias made the team out of training camp and had been playing well, although the Panthers would like him to go to go back to the AHL and dominate.

With Rochester, Matthias will see more playing time. Plus, because of his two-way contract, he can be recalled at any time and not go through waivers.

``He needs to earn his ice time and score some goals,'' DeBoer said. ''He had a good training camp, but hasn't had a good season in the American League yet. He needs to do that.''

The Panthers had only nine forwards Wednesday because three were out with various injuries and illnesses. Radek Dvorak missed practice with the flu; Nathan Horton and Steve Reinprecht missed because of undisclosed minor injuries. DeBoer refused comment on the injuries, but said all three players would be back for Friday's home game against the Flyers.

Moore is expected to take Gregory Campbell's spot centering the third line, with Campbell replacing Matthias on the fourth. Moore is a solid faceoff man, something the Panthers sorely need.

Florida's faceoff statistics mirror most of the team's stats through the first five games: Going into Wednesday's games, the Panthers are ranked 27th in the 30-team league, winning 46 percent of the drops. In Monday's 3-2 loss to the Lightning, Florida won just 34 percent.

Moore said he has been watching the Panthers from afar and is excited to have the chance to help.

``When I made the decision to join the team, it was because I thought it was a good fit for both myself and the team,'' Moore said. ``The kind of game I take a lot of pride in is what this team is trying to build an identity around.''

Various reports say Moore turned down a three-year deal with the Maple Leafs last year worth more than $5 million, hoping to find more money and a longer term in free agency. In the summer, he didn't find many takers and signed a one-year deal with the Panthers for $1.1 million two games into the season.

The Panthers and Moore are hoping for a big year. The Panthers need the offense and Moore is in another contract year.

``You always want to make sure you make a good decision for the long term of your career,'' he said. ``Obviously it was a case where you have to wait for the right opportunity. I couldn't be more excited to be here.''

BETWEEN THE PIPES

DeBoer wouldn't say whether backup goalie Scott Clemmensen would play Friday against the Flyers but said Clemmensen is going to get a chance to play soon.

Florida plays three games next week, Wednesday at home against Buffalo then back-to-back games in Pennsylvania against the Penguins and Flyers.

GRAND OPENING

The Panthers held their official grand opening of the new Incredible Ice complex on Wednesday.

The team put a reported $10 million into the facility, adding a third sheet of ice as well as team offices and full hockey-related amenities.

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