There are plenty of detractors who have been vocal in their belief winger Nathan Horton doesn't play with passion or gives it his all.

Those critics have not had much to complain about lately.

Horton, 24, is in the midst of one of his most impressive runs in his six seasons with the Panthers.

Horton has one goal and six assists in his past four games, including Wednesday's scoreless game against the Hurricanes. Four of those assists have been on goals by linemate Steven Reinprecht.

``As long as you are contributing any way you can, that's the main thing,'' Horton said. ``It's been fun with Reinprecht and [Cory] Stillman. Reinprecht is hot right now, so we have to get him the puck.''

Coach Pete DeBoer said he has been happy with Horton's recent performance. Last season, Horton was moved to center out of necessity, but he is back on the right wing this season.

``I've been happy with his first dozen games, save for a few here or there,'' DeBoer said. ``It's nice he's finally getting rewarded with some points.''

FIRM RESPONSE

The embattled Fort Lauderdale law firm of Rothstein, Rosenfeldt and Adler (RRA) had its signs removed from the ice and covered on the 400 level facade, although the team has not legally terminated the firm's contract.

RRA was a big presence during games and all references to the firm also have been stopped. Founding partner Scott Rothstein is accused of bilking hundreds of millions of dollars from the firm and clients, and is under investigation by the federal government.

Rothstein also is a partner in a South Florida steakhouse that still has its name associated with the team's Ice Dancers.

``RRA is not receiving any sponsor benefits from the BankAtlantic Center nor the Florida Panthers,'' team spokesman Justin Copertino said.

INJURY UPDATE

With Dominic Moore out another game because of sinus surgery (his nose was broken on Oct. 24 at Philadelphia), the Panthers called up center Jeff Taffe from their American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester, N.Y. MILESTONE

Defenseman Bryan McCabe played in his 999th career NHL game on Wednesday.

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