The Florida Panthers Remain on A Mission to Win

Florida knocked off the Boston Bruins in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after their 2-1 victory in Game 6. Gustav Forsling played the role of hero, scoring with 90 seconds left in the third period. The Panthers’ victory marks the third time they have beaten the Bruins in the playoffs. In addition, it is the second straight season the Panthers eliminated the Bruins in the playoffs in Boston.

But you can see how the Florida Panthers are built. Florida is exactly how the Lightning were constructed during their runs to the Stanley Cup Final from 2020-2022. Again, the groundwork was laid before that run. Not to mention, the Lightning had to learn how to win in the playoffs. They went through tough losses in the playoffs before lifting the Stanley Cup.

You can see what Dale Tallon did as the General Manager in Florida with the roster’s construction. The current General Manager, Bill Zito, has taken the situation to another level. Zito has brought in the right pieces to accompany their stars on the roster, including the acquisitions and signings of Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and Vladimir Tarasenko to pair with Aaron Eklad, Aleksander Barkov, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, whose contract at the time was terrible, but has lived up to, especially in the playoffs.

Jonathan Huverdeau was there, but Zito traded him to the Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk has been everything and more for the Panthers. He has given the Panthers that physical presence and identity they play with. Tkachuk is the type of player you win with. Throw in Mr. Playoff Carter Verheaghe, Evan Rodgriues, Brandon Montour (who Zito traded), and the list goes on of players he added to accompany the current players on the roster.

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Zito has changed his roster, moving out 12 forwards and six defensemen. He also decided to replace head coach Andrew Brunette with Paul Maurice. The Panthers are on a mission to win and bring the Stanley Cup back to Florida.

All the first-round losses and the losses to the Lightning since 1996 have prepared them for this moment. In addition, they understand why playing physical hockey is so important in the playoffs, not to mention having depth on the roster in case of injury, as they had to deal with that during their 2023 Stanley Cup Final trip.

The Florida Panthers have no problem playing one style of hockey, but they can turn it on when needed. However, they are comfortable enough to realize that playing defensive hockey and being opportunistic will also work for them.

As they prepare for the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final, the Panthers know they will be in for a fight and will have to lean on lessons from a year to go to get back to a Stanley Cup Final. It will not be easy, but the Panthers are unsatisfied with their results.

The Florida Panthers have one goal: to win the Stanley Cup. They will not be satisfied until that mission is complete.