I'm really happy for the Panthers, but they're going to have to be better next year if they want to make the playoffs, a lot of teams in the East under performed this year. All you have to do is look at the Floridas goal differential compared to other teams. That being said Tallon has done an amazing job in such a short time, and the future definitely looks better then it has in a long time.
Definetly. This year we have a bunch of 2nd-3rd liners from around the league as our top 6. The season started good, but between the injuries (at one point out 7 forwards) and post all star slumps, the skill level in our top was pretty poor. That's why I look forward to Bjugstad joining the team, he's 6'3 220~lb center and will fit well on our top line which fills the gap of big center. Then Kyle Rau is coming up and his hot hands are well welcome to the team. If the word on street is good then Huberdeau is looking to join the cats as well. The biggest differential is skill in the forwards, which is why we lost so many shootouts. The Panthers simply lack a high skill forward. Versteeg was good and I love his eccentric style on the ice but he's too tempermental to have that top spot. We are generating the chances to score but seem to fail at those odd-man rushes and breakaways because of the lack of skilled forwards.
Goaltending has been unexpectedly solid as well. The real show is when Markstrom comes the Panthers, he is currently on fire in San Antonio.
Tallon has done a fantastic job as as well as Dineen. As a Panther fan I can truthfully think the worst is behind the organization.
