The Florida Panthers were the most improved team last season, jumping from 66 points in 2013-2014 to 91 points in 2014-2015. Though the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, they stayed competitive throughout the season and only missed by eight points.
The turnaround to their success this season is attributed to a few key factors:
Depth
During the offseason, Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon signed numerous free agents. The likes of Jussi Jokinen, Dave Bolland, Willie Mitchell, Derek MacKenzie, Shawn Thornton and Al Montoya. These signings added scoring, leadership and experience to a young panthers squad. Though some players were better than others, another year playing together and feeling comfortable with the system should keep the club improving. While not a player, the hiring of Gerard Gallant as head coach was a genius move, as he brought toughness, character and reliability to a team that desperately needed it.
Roberto Luongo
Acquired near the trade deadline in the 2013-2014 season, Luongo was a stud this season for Florida. Luongo sported a goals against average of 2.35 and a save percentage of .921. Very respectable stats considering he played in the majority of games and faced a high amount of shots. Luongo provides a stable presence in net and kept the team competitive in games they were clearly outmatched.
The Young Guys
While Florida signed a boatload of veteran players, in reality they are a young team. Many of their young players bounced back from a poor season the year before (Huberdeau, Gudbranson), from injury (Barkov) or improved significantly (Hayes, Pirri). It is these young men who will need to continue improving in the years to come in order for Florida to stay competitive and make the playoffs. There is one young player who stood out the most however.
Aaron Ekblad
The first overall pick last draft, Ekblad provided more than people expected of an 18 year old. Not only did Ekblad step into the lineup straight away playing big minutes, he contributed 12 goals and 39 points, good enough for eighth in rookie scoring (second among rookie defenceman). Ekblad is nominated for the Calder trophy and has a great shot at winning. He proved he could play with the big boys at such a young age and will only keep getting better.
Jaromir Jagr
The ageless wonder was acquired by Florida close to the trade deadline and played exceptionally with the team. Not only did be provide star power to the lineup, he elevated his linemates Huberdeau and Barkov. All three players scored at or close to a point-per-game together and caught the attention of fans and media. Tallon signed Jagr to a one year contract with the hopes that the three can provide the same magic next year and help the team qualify for the playoffs.
The Florida Panthers are poised to keep improving. The team has plenty of great prospects waiting in the wing and have a lot of available cap space to make a big trade or signing this offseason. The draft is being held in their building this week and with such a deep draft this year, Florida’s pick at number 11 should net a great player (or used as trade bait for a star player, Kessel anyone?). While the team does lack scoring (25th in goals) and power play and penalty kill (24th in both categories) these can be improved upon. Florida should stay competitive next year and with the right moves this offseason, qualify for the playoffs.
See you at the draft!
Stats via nhl.com and images via google
Jarthurdoyle 