NHL Predictions: 2010-11 Florida Panthers

More teams in the NHL have made the playoffs (16) than miss them (14). So the fact that the Panthers have missed the postseason in nine consecutive seasons is hard to believe. The fact that they have not won a game in the playoffs since 1997 is even harder.

What is not hard to believe is that the Panthers have tied the NHL record for postseason futility. Another miss will set the new league standard for consecutive seasons without a postseason trip.

There is hope in South Beach to end that streak, but it is probably not going to happen this season. The Panthers version of the Miami Heat’s "Big Three" is David Booth, Michael Frolik and Dmitry Kulikov. These aren’t exactly household names, but in hockey circles the trio are considered a group of prospects with plenty of potential.

Without question, this team is as complete of a rebuilding effort as you will see in the league this year. Florida's management is not worried about setting the infamous NHL record. Their goals are looking further down the road. As a result, the on-ice product will suffer this season.

While the Panthers have potential, their 2.5 goals per game (28th), 28.4 shots per game (27th), 14.2-percent power play (29th) and 34.1 shots against per game (30th) from last season are all potential pitfalls.

The fact that the team ranked last in shots allowed, but 19th in goals allowed is a testament to goalie Tomas Vokoun, the most valuable player on the Panthers squad. He was only 23-39-7, but that was hardly his fault, especially with a 2.55 goals-against average.

The Florida Panthers schedule starts with a three-game road swing through Canada starting Oct. 10 in Edmonton, winding through Vancouver and ending at Calgary. The Panthers open the home part of their schedule Oct. 16 against Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay.

Offseason Moves

Florida dumped winger Nathan Horton (team-best 37 assists) and center Gregory Campbell (15 goals and 17 assists), along with defensemen Keith Ballard, who appeared in 82 games last season. They added mostly draft picks, but the additions of center Marty Reasoner (Atlanta) and wingers Steve Bernier (Vancouver) and Chris Higgins (Calgary) could provide a potential impact on this team.

Florida Panthers Predictions: Outlook

The outlook is a positive one, but that is long-term, as in four years down the road. The immediate future looks like a rough road for Florida. Even being in the playoff discussion will come as a shock to many.

Florida Panthers NHL Lines

Florida’s odds to win the Southeast Division are +4000 and +5000 to win the Eastern Conference—tied with the Islanders for the longest shot in the conference. Their odds to win the Stanley Cup are +10,000. The most telling future line for Florida is their ‘over/under’ for points which is 71.5. The Panthers finished with 77 points last season, so the 71.5 points represents an even further regression and the lowest total in the league. The Panthers' point projections are significantly lower than the three teams also at the bottom: the Oilers (76.5), Islanders (78.5) and Blue Jackets (79.5).

NHL Predictions for Florida Panthers
Florida will be an easy out to most opponents this season. That alone will give them the chance to sneak up on some teams, especially in the ever-easy Southeast Division. Vokoun is entering the last year of his contract and could be trade bait as the deadline nears. If that happens, Florida will struggle to win. But 71.5 points is not exactly setting the bar high. Look for the Panthers to find a way to go over 71.5 points.