SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – The greatest common season in Florida Panthers’ historical past got here to a crushing finish within the second spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs. For the second consecutive 12 months, the Cats have been eradicated by the Lightning in Tampa.
Strides have been made this season however being swept out of the playoffs stings.
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Offense Shutdown
The Panthers had the very best offense the NHL has seen in additional than 25 years within the common season. But towards Tampa and their world-class goalie they have been held to simply three objectives in 4 video games, together with being shut out for the primary time this season.
Between the Lightning blocking photographs and the Panthers’ stars not producing it was a surprising flip of occasions within the sequence. The final time the Panthers have been shut out earlier than Game 4’s elimination sport, 2-0, was final 12 months’s Game 6 in Tampa which despatched them dwelling for the summer season.
Stars Can’t Shine
Jonathan Huberdeau had an epic common season with a franchise-record 115 factors. But within the playoffs, he scored only one purpose in 10 video games and didn’t make an offensive influence. Longtime teammate and workforce captain Alexander Barkov was unable to supply rather more, scoring simply two objectives. In the playoffs, you want your greatest gamers to rise to the event and sadly, not because of an absence of effort, the Panthers stars have been unable to come back up huge.
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Big Bob
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky performed his greatest hockey in his three years as a Panther within the playoffs. He made huge saves at key occasions to maintain the Panthers in nearly each sport they performed. Bobrovsky was calm and managed within the web.
What’s Next
The very first thing that should occur is the Panthers have to nail down their teaching scenario. Andrew Brunette took over early within the season and had the interim tag all over. He is a finalist for coach of the 12 months.
Decisions must be made if roster strikes are essential to win within the playoffs.
The Panthers are more likely to come again with largely the identical group however there are at all times modifications. Two huge conditions to observe are Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. Both had their greatest offensive seasons, are key elements of the workforce’s cloth, and each have one 12 months left on their contracts. The Panthers can run it again with them and let the chips fall the place they could. They may attempt to signal one or each this offseason. Or, if the workforce doesn’t really feel a contract is feasible, a commerce is a risk.
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Would the Panthers be okay with dropping a participant to free company or would they make the early resolution and get one thing again for a participant? Tough calls to make and it’s price watching these conditions.