The 2006-07 season produced some very memorable hockey. The 07-08 season so far has been just as enjoyable, that is, unless you live in Florida.
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lighting both missed the playoffs this year.
The Tampa Bay Lighting have already begun rebuilding with the acquisitions of two way forward Jeff Halpern, shoot-out specialist Jussi Jokinen, and new number one goaltender Mike Smith at the trade deadline.
With Kari Ramo showing enough strength to be a reliable backup goaltender, and the almost inevitable arrival of future first overall pick Steven Stamkos, Vincent Leclavier and Martin St. Louis just might have a team behind them for the 2008-09 season.
Could the same be said for the Florida Panthers?
Possibly. Depending on what Panthers management decides to do during the offseason, I predict a return to the post-season for the franchise that guys like Pavel Bure and Roberto Luongo once called home.
In the closing weeks of the season, the Panthers actually made a last-minute push that almost saw them clinch a playoff birth.
This season saw the return of a number one goaltender to the franchise in Thomas Vokoun, who arguably carried the team through its darkest hours this season and kept their faint playoff hopes alive.
Captain Olli Jokinen saw a 20-point drop from last year, but he was still Florida's best forward. Jay Bouwmeester once again carried a very weak blue line. But take the following into consideration, and you may find that the Florida Panthers are not very far off from returning to the postseason...
Offense
More than anything, the Panthers need chemistry between their forwards. An offseason acquisition of a secondary scoring winger will complete a strong offensive Florida team.
If the Panthers can get continued development from guys like David Booth and Stephan Weiss, they wont have to rely on guys like Nathan Horton and Olli Jokinen to carry the team offensively.
However, the Panthers will need the return of the Olli Jokinen who had 91 points only a season ago and another strong season from Horton.
With the eventual return of forward Richard Zednik, the Panthers will have six or seven solid scorers up front, juggling Zednik and youngster Rostislav Olesz between the second and third lines.
But this Florida team wont be complete without strong play from two-way guys like Kamil Kreps and Greg Campbell. Look for Jozef Stumpel to assume a type of "Jeremy Roenick" role as a third or fourth line center.
Defense
Without question, this is where the Panthers need the most improvement. Jay Bouwmeester and Bryan Allen carried their blue line, and need some more consistent help other then the surprising resurgent Jassen Cullimore, who was better than great for them down the stretch.
Expect an offseason acquisition of a more offensive minded defensemen to compliment Bouwmeester and maybe a No. 6 or 7 defense men to share time with guys like Karlis Skrastins and Steve Montador.
Goaltending
Don't fix what isn't broken. With a stronger defensive group, expect a great season from Thomas Vokoun and a breakout season from Craig Anderson. He earned extended playing time next year with his back to back 50 save shutouts this season.
As insurance in case of a season-ending injury, the Panthers' organization should investigate the whereabouts of one Robert Esche, who could be looking for the type of role Brian Boucher had with Philly for most of this season.
Putting it all together
In the offseason, the Panthers need a stronger blue line. An offensive minded defenseman who can move the puck and a two way defenseman who can play power play and penalty kill should be No. 1 and 2 on the Panthers shopping list.
Also, a secondary scoring winger who can be juggled between the first two lines to play with either Jokinen/Horton or Weiss/Booth.
Filling Expectations
More importantly, the Panthers youngsters need to produce. David Booth's speed and ability to finish this season leaves him with the expectations of a 25-30 goal season next year.
Stephan Weiss needs to return to the 20-goal mark after only lighting the lamp 13 times this season and finish somewhere in the 55-60 point area.
Finally, Bouwmeester needs to remain healthy and Florida's best defenseman.
If he can quarterback the Panther power play somewhere into the top 10 or 15 in the league and keep a strong penalty killing unit together with guys like Greg Campbell and Rob Globke, the Panthers should have no problem reclaiming their place in the post season.
There's no question the Florida Panthers have talent. Whether it be strong performance night after night from Thomas Vokoun, the speedy youth of David Booth, or the combination of grit and skill that makes Nathan Horton a goal scorer, the Panthers are definitely talented.
All that remains is taking this talent and molding it into a solid unit. The Florida Panthers have some of the important tools to be a Cup contending team by next season.
If the Panthers can band together, and receive the proper backing from their management, their fans just might be rewarded with a return to the post-season.
And who knows, maybe an introduction to Lord Stanley himself.
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2 months ago
Good article Ryan,
An introduction to Lord Stanley this early may be premature, after all, you gotta crawl before you walk.
In saying that I enjoyed watching the Panthers for the most part this year. Olli Jokinen is a fantastic player, Nathan Horton is really putting it together. They traded Luongo, but still got a world class goaltender in Vokoun, and some of their young players like Booth and Brine were exciting to see develop.
It`s going to be tight every year, but I think the Panthers are positioning themselves to at least make the postseason in the next few years.
2 months ago
Why would they need Robert Esche when both Thomas Vokoun and Craig Anderson have been outstanding? "Look for Jozef Stumpel to assume a type of "Jeremy Roenick" role," how about look for the team to trade or buy out the slug. Panthers won more games when he was injured. "Defense, Without question, this is where the Panthers need the most improvement," what are you talking about the D was fine the problem was the team can't score enough goals to win. "Captain Olli Jokinen saw a 20-point drop from last year, but he was still Florida's best forward, " not in a long shot, Olli was a minus 19 and missed passes and had far too many giveaway, he was one of the worst forwards. Have the time Olli played like his mind was somewhere else. Do you even watch the Panthers because you have no idea what you are talking about? Panthers like all teams need another scorer. The good news is Shawn Matthias will make the team and should be one of the better rookies. Martin stole him from the Wings for Bertuzzi at last years trade deadline.
2 months ago
Firstly, I noted that the Panthers need anothter scorer. Theres no doubt the Panthers had trouble scoring goals. Secondly, Jokinen was a negative player, but what I ment was in terms of points. He saw a 20 point drop and still lead the team. Everyone has bad years, and the fact that he felt guilty from injuring Richard Zednik was behind one of the slumps he had this year where he couldent score. I dont see how you can be the worst forward when you lead your team in points.
Secondly, I agree they need to get rid of Jozef Stumpel. His career is no doubt at its close. But Im not a mind reader. I dont know that they will trade him or not. So as far as we know he's sticking around. Thats why I said expect him to be a 3rd or 4th line player and be used for his Veteran leadership.
Defensively, sorry, the panthers are very weak. They have three, maybe four good defencemen. They need more depth and more consistantcy. And I noted that they need to sign one or two defensemen in the off season. One, primarily too help their powerplay with Bouwmeester.
Third, I mentioned Esche as a backup to Anderson and Vokoun should one of them get hurt, basically a third string goaltender.
I am glad you mentioned Matthias though. I dont wanna make expectations for him to be a great rookie when he might only crack the lineup 20 games or so and spend most of the year in the AHL. Well see when training camp rolls along.
2 months ago
A d man who can move the puck will help dramatically limit the number of shots on goal given up by the panthers and will improve the number of shots the panthers get on goal i believe the panthers took 30 shots per game this year and gave up around 34 shots per game... That number should change to 32 shots on goal to 28 shots against.
2 months ago
I hate to be the bringer of all bad news because i really do wish the Panthers to do well, but have they ever had a winning season? Fight to make an 8th playoff spot before predicting a Stanley Cup win...The foundation is not in place for a team of playoff proportions for another 3-5 years. They need to draft smart and sign even smarter.
2 months ago
they have done a wonderful job keeping their quality picks
the first picks overall since the 2001 season are all still on the team or in the organization
2001- Stephen Weiss
2002- Jay Bouwmeester
2003- Nathan Horton
2004- Rotislav Olesz
2005- Kenndal McArdle
2006- Michael Frolik Matthias Repik
2007- Keaton Ellerby
The top 4 have been wonderful and have become core players. Weiss and Horton are signed at very low contracts for long term. Bouw and Olesz are being worked on now as they are RFA's. Frolik is considered a top 50 player not in the NHL that has been drafted as is Shawn Matthias.
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