This is actually something I've been thinking about the longer this break goes on. We knew there would already be a big asterisk next to the season anyways, but what I can't imagine anyone feeling really good about whoever winds it all - it'll be strange.
There's so many rumors about the league coming back and playing at a select few locations (4 to be exact), no fans, some type of 24-team playoff structure, etc., etc., etc...The other thing to throw into the mix Phillip Danalt's recent comments about how he (and him hinting that other payers) would vote against restarting the season due to having to be away from family for two-plus months straight, and it makes you wonder...
Is it even worth it at this point?
I understand the loss in revenue, but when I start to think about these guys needing a few weeks of practice/conditioning and most likely exhibition games to get their pace and timing back, that's just tacking on more time.
Add to that the potential for injury with a rush back to action and immediate playoff atmosphere, and it seems like it could be potentially risky.
Is it better to scrap it and starting thinking about next season? Who knows if that will even start on time.
One of the interesting things to think about if the season doesn't return, is what happens with all the deals teams made at the deadline? Players, picks and money were shuffled around like every year at the TDL, but now it's a possibility that teams won't be able to get the value for this year's moves - excluding prospects and picks.
How about rentals? If you traded for a guy(s) that were going to be purely a rental to help you in the playoffs and you don't have plans to resign him/them, now you're in a tough spot if the season doesn't restart because you basically gave pieces away for nothing. It has to sting.
While I would love to see hockey come back this season, I'm not sure it will, and starting to think that maybe that's for the best. I think there would be a feeling of "cheap" to it with new playoff structure and whoever becomes the champs.
I say that now, but I know if it started back up I would forget about that pretty quick and be sucked right back in. HA!
The Hockey Guy Weighs in on the Panthers
I'm usually hit or miss with The Hockey Guy's videos, but I thought this one was interesting.
I think he brings up some good points in this, particularly regarding Florida's struggles to have a consistent build/structure.
They've had times that they were really close to putting it all together, but we know they always seem to be in flux, and that has just killed any potential success they could have.
It's pretty wild when you go back and see/hear some of the great names that have worn the Cats sweater, but (unfortunately) it was in the twilight of their careers.
Looking at the past couple seasons and this current one on pause, do you think the Panthers are on the right track in terms of having a plan to find success?
Better yet...what do you think it will take for them to get to the level of the top teams?
Setup Sunday
Jamie McLennan only saw a total of 17 games in a Panthers sweater, but darned if that setup wasn't a beauty.
[Image from goaliesarchive.com]
The yellow highlights on the blocker, glove, and leg pads are perfect and help make the jerseys meld perfectly into the equipment - giving it a nice uniform look. The leaping cat on the front of the mask is great, too.
While I never understood the meaning of the eye with a tear rolling down it (which appeared on a number of his masks), perhaps the only L in the Panthers setup is that "Nickelback" is written on it...
In fact, scroll down to #1 to see The Sportster article from a few years back where they list their top 15 worst goalie masks. Haha.
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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