NHL Four-cast: Florida Panthers

1 - Why is this team worth watching? Did you ever wonder what it was like during Custer's Last Stand? You can see the hockey version of it in Florida where Tomas Vokoun stands alone amid attackers from all sides. Some of the greatest goaltending I have ever seen was by Curtis Joseph on a beleaguered St. Louis squad back in the early '90s; you can expect some marvelous displays by Vokoun this season.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year? Worse. They gave away their captain and leading scorer for two mediocre defensemen and a draft pick. They replaced his offensive output with Cory Stillman, who was -8 in 24 games with Ottawa, something that extrapolates to -30 or so when you consider he will be with Florida this coming season.

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy? Vokoun is the only fantasy stud guarantee. Even on a team as poor as the Panthers, he will get some wins and will have a fantastic save percentage. As I mentioned, they added more defensemen so his g.a.a. should improve from last season's 2.68. Jay Bouwmeester has something to prove as he plays for his next contract outside of Florida so I would say he is good for 45 points. Also, the Panthers may deal him so he may end up in a better place where he can get better numbers after the deadline. David Booth/Stephen Weiss/Nathan Horton will be the team's first line and will play in all situations so they should be able to pick up 55-65 points each. If Cory Murphy can stay healthy, he will be a power play point machine - he played just 47 games and had 17 points, 12 of which came with the man advantage.

4 - What city should the Panthers move to? Hamilton, Ontario. They aren't flashy enough for Vegas and don't have any marquee names. They don't have the work ethic that Kansas City would appreciate. They are fast enough for Quebec but don't play the beautiful game that old Nords fans remember from the days of Goulet. They aren't the Coyotes so they shouldn't go to Winnipeg (the Manitoba folks deserve their team back). So that leaves Hamilton. The folks there were willing to take the Preds when Vokoun was the backbone of that team, so they would be willing to take the Panthers. And they would probably help make Horton and Bouwmeester into the superstars that they can be.

Title: "NHL Four-Cast: Florida Panthers - A Sunny Forecast for Hockey Excellence"

Introduction

In the heart of the Sunshine State, where palm trees sway and warm breezes beckon, the Florida Panthers have been quietly but steadily building a hockey legacy. While Florida may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of hockey, the Panthers have been making significant strides in the NHL. In this article, we'll explore the history, memorable moments, challenges, and the promising future of the Florida Panthers.

Part 1: The Birth of the Panthers

1. From Expansion Team to Contender

The Florida Panthers were established as an expansion team in 1993, alongside the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Discover the challenges and triumphs of their early years.

2. Sunshine and Hockey

Explore how the Panthers have brought the excitement of professional hockey to a region more commonly associated with beaches and amusement parks.

Part 2: Iconic Moments and Notable Players

3. Rat Trick Fever

Relive the magical run of the 1995-96 season, when the Panthers made it to the Stanley Cup Final and the "rat trick" became a symbol of their success.

4. The Legacy of Pavel Bure

Pavel Bure, also known as the "Russian Rocket," left an indelible mark on the franchise during his tenure. We'll explore his impact on and off the ice.

Part 3: Challenges and Rebuilding

5. Playoff Droughts

Discuss the periods of playoff droughts that the Panthers have faced and the efforts to rebuild and compete at a high level.

6. Emerging Stars

Highlight the rising stars in the Panthers' roster, including Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, who have injected new energy into the team.

Part 4: The BB&T Center Experience

7. A Home for Hockey

The BB&T Center serves as the Panthers' home arena and a hub for entertainment in South Florida. Learn about the arena's unique features and the fan experience.

8. Community Engagement

Discover how the Panthers have engaged with the local community, promoting youth hockey and supporting charitable initiatives.

Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Have the Florida Panthers ever won the Stanley Cup?

No, the Florida Panthers have not won the Stanley Cup yet, but they reached the Stanley Cup Final in the 1995-96 season.

2. Who is the all-time leading scorer for the Panthers?

Olli Jokinen holds the record for the most points in Florida Panthers history.

3. How has the Panthers' success impacted hockey in Florida?

The Panthers have played a significant role in growing the sport of hockey in Florida, inspiring a new generation of fans and players.

The Florida Panthers may not have the long history of some NHL franchises, but they have certainly left their mark on the league. From their unexpected Stanley Cup Final appearance in the mid-90s to their commitment to community engagement and the emergence of new talent, the Panthers are a team on the rise. With a sunny forecast for the future, they aim to continue their journey toward becoming a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, making hockey fans in the Sunshine State proud of their team on the ice.