In nature, the Florida panther is an extremely elusive animal. It’s been said that you could walk through the Florida wilderness and one could be two feet from you and you would never know it was there.
Their numbers have dwindled over the years, but recently, they have begun to climb back up (thankfully). Despite man’s ever-relentless expansion into the wild areas of our world, the Florida panther has clawed its way back into the picture.
In some ways the same can be said about the Florida Panthers of the NHL. After early success that saw them make it to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996, the Panthers began to disappear over the years. Bad management, questionable signings/trades, the uphill battle of a non-traditional hockey market, and everything in between, led to the Panthers falling off the radar of most hockey fans.
However, like the animal they are named after, the Florida Panthers have made their way back. While it’s been a slow, frustrating climb, the past few years have seen the Panthers get to a place of relevancy.
Going from obscurity and the butt of many golf jokes aimed at “all five of their fans,” the Panthers are now atop the NHL, about to engage in battle for the coveted Stanley Cup.
Let this set in. They are four wins away from etching their names, and the Florida Panthers, in the history books!
But before that can happen, a war need to take place.
That war begins tonight when the Florida Panthers, a “team of destiny” (as some are saying) take on the Las Vegas Golden Knights, a team that has had the Cup in their crosshairs since joining the league a few years back.
I think this series has serious potential to be an exciting one. Will it be one for the ages? I honestly believe it will be.
Florida was 1-1-0 against Vegas during the regular season. Both sides boast talented rosters that are capable of playing a high octane game.
In fact, these teams are pretty even in a number of ways:
*NOTE: Both Tkachuk and Stone will be groomsmen at Brady Tkachuk’s wedding (haha)
With the Cats having 10 days off, and Vegas only at four, I expect the Knights to try and come out hard/fast to put the Panthers on their heels as they try to get back up to game speed. Thought I wouldn’t be surprised if the nerves show on both sides and the two teams engage in a process of feeling one another out before the play picks up.
I know I’m extremely biased, but I believe the Panthers currently hold the edge despite being the underdogs. They have an intangible quality. It’s something that can’t be measured, but only described as “it.” You’re not sure what “it” is but you have seen it throughout these playoffs. It’s that ability to come up with the right play at the right time. To never go away. It’s there in their attitude. It’s in their forecheck. Their tenacity. Their physicality. Their ability to weather a surge. Their goaltending. The way they came together as a team…
It.
As long as the Panthers have it, they are never out of the fight.
See you there…
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I cannot wait for this game and series! Go Panthers!!!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
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