The Florida Panthers clinched the 2023-24 championship, but it wasn’t always certain they’d make it.
Despite injuries from their surprise 2023 Stanley Cup Final run, key players like Gustav Forsling (+56) and Sam Reinhart (57 G) elevated the team. Winning the Atlantic Division with a +68 goal differential, they entered the playoffs as a force to be reckoned with. They overcame Tampa Bay, Boston, and New York without facing elimination before Sergei Bobrovsky shut down Edmonton in Game 7 to secure the Cup. Repeating this feat will be tough after Brandon Montour’s departure, but coach Paul Maurice’s squad loves a challenge.
Maurice’s approach has allowed big personalities like Tkachuk to flourish. His gradual transformation of the team’s defensive structure has revitalized Bobrovsky’s career. Fans think this could be another thrilling season for them.
Key Additions & Departures:
Additions:
- A.J. Greer
- Chris Driedger
- Tomas Nosek
- Jesper Boqvist
- Nate Schmidt
- MacKenzie Entwistle
- Jaycob Megna
- Adam Boqvist
Departures:
- Brandon Montour (Sea)
- Vladimir Tarasenko (Det)
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Tor)
- Anthony Stolarz (Tor)
- Nick Cousins (UFA)
- Kyle Okposo (UFA)
- Kevin Stenlund (Uta)
- Casey Fitzgerald (NYR)
- Steven Lorentz (UFA)
- Josh Mahura (Sea)
Offense:
Captain Sasha Barkov had an impressive postseason performance with 22 points in 24 games. If he stays healthy, he might enter MVP conversations. Reinhart remains his reliable partner after signing an eight-year deal worth $69 million due to his 57-goal season.
Matthew Tkachuk continues to shine separately from Barkov with an 88-point effort last season despite some bad luck early on. Carter Verhaeghe also excels alongside Florida’s stars and has become known for his playoff heroics.
Sam Bennett brings grit and scoring ability as Tkachuk’s center while Anton Lundell is expected to break out this year after earning a six-year contract extension worth $30 million.
Evan Rodrigues and Eetu Luostarinen provide solid depth across various roles in the lineup.
Defense:
Gustav Forsling is finally getting recognition as one of the best defensemen worldwide with top-pair results alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Aaron Ekblad. However, losing Montour and OEL leaves gaps that need filling by players like Niko Mikkola who led in hits and blocks last season but lacks offensive impact.
Dmitry Kulikov adds experience but may not have enough left in him for higher roles; fortunately Maurice can rely on forwards buying into defensive schemes led by Selke winner Barkov along with Reinhart’s strong metrics keeping opponents at bay without needing an A+ blueline setup overall.
Goaltending:
Sergei Bobrovsky has bounced back from struggles becoming crucial during playoffs leading them towards victory again last year proving himself Hall-of-Fame worthy despite initial doubts about value-for-money status earlier on now supported by Spencer Knight returning after dealing OCD issues previously while Chris Driedger offers insurance having performed well initially before injuries hampered progress elsewhere since then making interesting backup options available if needed going forward too!
Coaching:
Paul Maurice took over coaching duties amidst raised eyebrows when Bill Zito chose him instead of retaining interim coach Andrew Brunette who led them successfully post-Joel Quenneville resignation scandal previously yet gamble paid off eventually transforming defensively allowing big personalities thrive especially benefiting Tkachuk among others resulting successful campaigns culminating winning championship ultimately showing right fit indeed here long-term basis now established firmly under leadership provided consistently throughout tenure thus far continuing hopefully future seasons ahead likewise maintaining momentum gained already achieved till date overall effectively managed together cohesively ensuring continued success ongoing basis further still beyond current achievements reached presently attained collectively altogether positively moving forward progressively onwards continuously building upon foundations laid solidly underpinning everything done so far comprehensively 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What do you think about their chances this season?
