Florida-
New powerrankings are out and Panthers are ranked 3rd. Currently Panthers sit #1 overall in the league but New Jersey Devils has 3 games in hand. Panthers fans got really mad at the newest powerrankings when it accuced the Panthers for lack of real leaders and that Boston is the #1 contendor.
Sun-Sentinel hockeyguru's take on the situation. Mike Russo "Boston does have an great core of players and they did when the league started but we would call there leaders any better than Panthers. Just look at the experience and leadership Panthers got (Weight, Buchberger, Hatcher, Mogilny, Gelinas, Dimaio etc) and compare it to theres. I'd say it's pretty darn close. It's unbelievable how underrated the Panthers season has been by the media. They went into the season as many picked bottom 3 team in the league and now there top 3 team in the league and tough EAST without sacrificing anything huge from there roster except Bouwmeester. When it comes time to vote Most Improved Team and say Panthers are the winner hands down."
Just an hot steak?
Panthers started out the season awful ranked 10th in the league couple weeks into the season. Then they started there "hot streak" which still hasnt ended. Even with huge injury's to Weight (3 weeks) now Mara (3 weeks), Mogilny, Frolov, Rolston etc. Last night they won Buffalo 7-2 and the game before powerhouse Toronto 3-1.
More Moves?
Dont be suprised if Panthers go out an get a couple superstars added to team or dont. There team chemistry is top in the league. Some moves will be made for sure.
Team Stats
Most likely no1 else in the league has noticed Panthers team stats. So here they are...
PP : #6 (14,6%)
PK : #1 (91,6%)
TS : #2 (3,29)
TD : #6 (was #2 for a long time)
SF : #1 (30,9)
SA : #1 (25,0)
So.. I ask you.. Are the Panthers just pretenders or contendors?
Florida Panthers 2005 ???