2 random stats of the day.
At 5 on 5,
Panthers have 2nd fewest blocked shots.
Panthers are 1st in hits given
At 5 on 5,
Panthers have 2nd fewest blocked shots.
Panthers are 1st in hits given
Speculation: 2024-25 Playoffs Thread - series, opponents, players and team discussion
- Thread starter Sticksandsun
- Start date
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Gentle Man
09/12
Ghoste
#JustGetIn
Guess you’re going to have to go back to playing 25 mins a night Seth.
CHGoalie27
Don't blame the goalie!
zactly!
Of course but goalies tend to last a little longer if they're built a certain way and I feel Bob is more likely to break the age record and keep his game than lose his game in the next four years.
Article from the Athletic giving us the best odds of winning the cup at 16%. Those bastards are obviously jinxing us - I blame them entirely for Ekblad's suspension.
Nice to read but I'm pretty wary: a strong roster on paper does not always translate to results, particularly when you won't have had much time to build chemistry. And we're not really sure just how healthy Tkachuk or Marchand are, or Ekblad's weight when he returns for that matter
. Thoughts?
---
Florida Panthers
Stanley Cup chances: 16 percent
The Panthers went huge at this year’s deadline, adding Seth Jones and Brad Marchand. No other team added a top-six forward and a top-pair defenseman, and it’s created some massive repercussions in the Stanley Cup field.
Before the deadline, Florida looked likely to finish in the dreaded 2 vs. 3 matchup with some lineup holes that left them vulnerable to an upset. The top six could’ve used another impact winger, and there was still a massive void left from Brandon Montour’s departure. The Panthers are now arguably the deepest and most star-studded team; they have an extremely good top end matched by very few weak links. Florida’s Cup chances have basically doubled over the last couple of weeks.
Jones is the prize pickup here, an offensive catalyst from the back end and a perfect fit for what the Panthers needed. That was a point of weakness without Montour (and Oliver Ekman-Larsson), one that Jones’ presence likely solves. His ratings may not look as stellar as his reputation, but it feels likely that Florida will be able to maximize his value in a second-pair role. He’s a do-it-all type with strong puck-moving ability.
Marchand is a luxury that considerably beefs up an already strong top six. Florida is right there with Tampa Bay and Edmonton in that regard, though the main draw is arguably Marchand adding to the second line’s already tenacious identity. Marchand, Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk could be one of the most annoying lines in league history. Marchand’s presence also pushes Evan Rodrigues down to the bottom six and Jesper Boqvist to the fourth line — both areas in which they grade out favorably relative to league average.
With this lineup, Florida’s lone potential Achilles heel is Sergei Bobrovsky in net — which is hardly a significant weakness, if one at all. Even if his play has dipped a tad this season with age, the Stanley Cup winner has been incredible in back-to-back runs to the Final.
This Panthers team is the team to beat, looking every bit as dangerous as the one that went the distance last season. There’s a very good chance the Stanley Cup stays in the Sunshine State this season.
Nice to read but I'm pretty wary: a strong roster on paper does not always translate to results, particularly when you won't have had much time to build chemistry. And we're not really sure just how healthy Tkachuk or Marchand are, or Ekblad's weight when he returns for that matter
. Thoughts?---
The favorites
The best chance to win it all: 12 percent or higher
Florida Panthers
Stanley Cup chances: 16 percent
The Panthers went huge at this year’s deadline, adding Seth Jones and Brad Marchand. No other team added a top-six forward and a top-pair defenseman, and it’s created some massive repercussions in the Stanley Cup field.
Before the deadline, Florida looked likely to finish in the dreaded 2 vs. 3 matchup with some lineup holes that left them vulnerable to an upset. The top six could’ve used another impact winger, and there was still a massive void left from Brandon Montour’s departure. The Panthers are now arguably the deepest and most star-studded team; they have an extremely good top end matched by very few weak links. Florida’s Cup chances have basically doubled over the last couple of weeks.
Jones is the prize pickup here, an offensive catalyst from the back end and a perfect fit for what the Panthers needed. That was a point of weakness without Montour (and Oliver Ekman-Larsson), one that Jones’ presence likely solves. His ratings may not look as stellar as his reputation, but it feels likely that Florida will be able to maximize his value in a second-pair role. He’s a do-it-all type with strong puck-moving ability.
Marchand is a luxury that considerably beefs up an already strong top six. Florida is right there with Tampa Bay and Edmonton in that regard, though the main draw is arguably Marchand adding to the second line’s already tenacious identity. Marchand, Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk could be one of the most annoying lines in league history. Marchand’s presence also pushes Evan Rodrigues down to the bottom six and Jesper Boqvist to the fourth line — both areas in which they grade out favorably relative to league average.
With this lineup, Florida’s lone potential Achilles heel is Sergei Bobrovsky in net — which is hardly a significant weakness, if one at all. Even if his play has dipped a tad this season with age, the Stanley Cup winner has been incredible in back-to-back runs to the Final.
This Panthers team is the team to beat, looking every bit as dangerous as the one that went the distance last season. There’s a very good chance the Stanley Cup stays in the Sunshine State this season.
Jean Luc Discard
Registered User
- Jul 11, 2014
- 14,454
- 8,471
Maybe this PEDblad debacle was exactly what the doctor ordered (pun intended) for this team to rally together and win the division.
Jones is gonna get more TOI and special teams opportunities. They will bleed goals with a top4 dman missing so their forwards have to step up by either supporting the dmen or just score more goals.
If Marchand thinks that he's worthy of a pay raise then this would be a good opportunity to show that he's still a ppg player.
I'd reckon that Pulju will be called up at some point before the reg season ends.
The Panthers are gonna win another Cup this season.
@IdleTraveller touching on the article you posted.
We had some decent runs at start of year in 10-15-20 game stretches but as Maurice stated the other day, he noticed a change in Mid January.
This is when they dialed in and turned it up knowing the last 35 games is time to prep the body and mind for the war ahead come mid April.
January 18th to March 12th:
14-5-0
65 GF [3.42/game]
33 GA [1.73/game]
658 SOG [34/game]
484 shots against [25/game]
20.3% PP
87.7% PK
We still kind of suck at faceoffs but I prayed to the hockey gods for a PK and Maurice also stated it was a huge reason for their success in winning the Cup.
I'm really starting to believe the hockey gods are setting up for a 1st round vs the Sens. They have the 2nd easiest schedule left according to some sites while Jackets, Wings and Rangers have a tougher end to their season.
We have 11th easiest schedule and I think the guys push hard for 1st in Atlantic to force Toronto and Tampa into a 6 or 7 game war.
We had some decent runs at start of year in 10-15-20 game stretches but as Maurice stated the other day, he noticed a change in Mid January.
This is when they dialed in and turned it up knowing the last 35 games is time to prep the body and mind for the war ahead come mid April.
January 18th to March 12th:
14-5-0
65 GF [3.42/game]
33 GA [1.73/game]
658 SOG [34/game]
484 shots against [25/game]
20.3% PP
87.7% PK
We still kind of suck at faceoffs but I prayed to the hockey gods for a PK and Maurice also stated it was a huge reason for their success in winning the Cup.
I'm really starting to believe the hockey gods are setting up for a 1st round vs the Sens. They have the 2nd easiest schedule left according to some sites while Jackets, Wings and Rangers have a tougher end to their season.
We have 11th easiest schedule and I think the guys push hard for 1st in Atlantic to force Toronto and Tampa into a 6 or 7 game war.
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
- 3,051
- 2,781
Does Florida really care who they play in the first round? I feel like the Panthers won't overly push themselves down the stretch, especially without Tkachuk and Ekblad, and let the Leafs take first in the Atlantic. The Panthers should be able to beat Tampa in the first round whether they have home ice or not. I don't like Tampa's chances of beating Florida or Toronto in the first round.
Coaches crave home ice for last change before a faceoff.
The last 3 years, home ice produced more wins and points in the standings for 28 of 32 teams.
Home teams see less penalties on average vs road teams as well.
26 of 32 teams the last 3 seasons have been assessed fewer penalties while on home ice.
I think it's 59% [IIRC] of the time in NHL, the home team wins.
Players love playing at home, the crowd can and will shift/add momentum with a hit, goal or fight.
As for who they play, maybe they don't say it out loud but playing an inexperienced Sens/Wings team vs Tampa?
I'm taking the Sens or Wings everytime.
The last 3 years, home ice produced more wins and points in the standings for 28 of 32 teams.
Home teams see less penalties on average vs road teams as well.
26 of 32 teams the last 3 seasons have been assessed fewer penalties while on home ice.
I think it's 59% [IIRC] of the time in NHL, the home team wins.
Players love playing at home, the crowd can and will shift/add momentum with a hit, goal or fight.
As for who they play, maybe they don't say it out loud but playing an inexperienced Sens/Wings team vs Tampa?
I'm taking the Sens or Wings everytime.
- Oct 7, 2006
- 5,234
- 5,847
We have the best, most balanced team in the league...assuming we are healthy and in sync. The Ekblad suspension is a blessing and a curse in that he'll be healthy, but he won't be game-ready. Same with Tkachuk, hopefully he'll heal up and the rest of his body gets the rest its needed since 18 months ago, but he'll need to ramp up fast. Same with Marchand, who knows what game shape he'll be in. The good thing is these guys know what it takes to win, so I have hope they'll be ready.
If we are healthy and ready to go, we're the team to beat. Still have to win four series and weird shit can happen, but agree with that article that we have on paper the highest chance to win this year.
If we are healthy and ready to go, we're the team to beat. Still have to win four series and weird shit can happen, but agree with that article that we have on paper the highest chance to win this year.
- Mar 21, 2006
- 12,143
- 9,025
I don’t give a shit about the East, we’ll beat anyone, the question is about the West.
I’m watching Dallas play the Pegs, they totally can’t handle them, not skating, too scared of Hellenbuck stopping everything. So unlike the Panthers they’re not playing physical.
So if we face the Pegs in the final, Cats will pounce and bury the Jets.
When and where is the Parade?
I’m watching Dallas play the Pegs, they totally can’t handle them, not skating, too scared of Hellenbuck stopping everything. So unlike the Panthers they’re not playing physical.
So if we face the Pegs in the final, Cats will pounce and bury the Jets.
When and where is the Parade?
Dread Clawz
LAWSonic Boom
Yeah the Stars don't really impress me that much. Not as much as matches their hype. They're not that physical, their D is average to above average, and Oettinger disappears too much in big games. Colorado does look scary though after the tdl, and Winnipeg has been a force all year. Vegas is always good. Oilers might turn it around again and get super hot in the playoffs, they do that a lot. Walman was a nice addition for them, although their 6D slot is suspect with Emerson currently occupying it.
We'll win the East, but the SCF is where it will be very tough with fatigue, and one of the Western juggernauts will be fresher. Hopefully Dallas and Colorado absolutely beat each other up in the 1st round, that would help. Same with Edmonton and Vegas in the 2nd round . I definitely think we'll be in the Final though .
We'll win the East, but the SCF is where it will be very tough with fatigue, and one of the Western juggernauts will be fresher. Hopefully Dallas and Colorado absolutely beat each other up in the 1st round, that would help. Same with Edmonton and Vegas in the 2nd round . I definitely think we'll be in the Final though .
PanthersHockey1
South by Southeast
The fact that we already have the hardware and are still a competitive juggernaut this year is just gravy for me. As long as we don’t get embarrassed/upset in the first round or something I’m happy with whatever happens in the post season.
CatscratchFever
#CatsAreComing
@Gentle Man , I commend you for the sacrifices made, Panthers will repeat as Champs.
Next time, make it hockey themed though?
Maybe Kulikov scoring the SCF GWG?
Next time, make it hockey themed though?
Maybe Kulikov scoring the SCF GWG?
Gizmo Tkachuk
Registered Loser
Honestly don’t care who we play but I’m intrigued by a Leafs Sens first round if they take the Atlantic
IdleTraveller
Registered User
HF Boards marked my first year anniversary here by deleting my account. Very rude of them. It was obviously due to them not being able to handle the strength of my love for Barkov. That shy smile, that talent, that BIG stick...
Ahem.
I actually don't think the Sens are an easy out at all: from what I've seen, they play a very similar style to us, have been red hot lately, and will be hungry DOGS at these playoffs. Given our depleted blue line, I would be happy if the team uses the stretch to develop as much chemistry as they can, and not get even more injured - even if that means finishing second or even third. There's enough experience in the room that makes me believe they can turn it on in the playoffs when we get Ekblad and (hopefully) Tkachuk back.
From a narrative perspective, it would be hilarious to meet the Leafs in the first round with Marchand scoring the series winning goal in overtime. And then have the Tkachuk-bowl in the second. Pure entertainment, baby.
Ahem.
I actually don't think the Sens are an easy out at all: from what I've seen, they play a very similar style to us, have been red hot lately, and will be hungry DOGS at these playoffs. Given our depleted blue line, I would be happy if the team uses the stretch to develop as much chemistry as they can, and not get even more injured - even if that means finishing second or even third. There's enough experience in the room that makes me believe they can turn it on in the playoffs when we get Ekblad and (hopefully) Tkachuk back.
From a narrative perspective, it would be hilarious to meet the Leafs in the first round with Marchand scoring the series winning goal in overtime. And then have the Tkachuk-bowl in the second. Pure entertainment, baby.
Felidae
Registered User
- Sep 30, 2016
- 9,183
- 10,782
Curious what everyone thinks Samo's ceiling is
Im actually surprised he only has 25 points in 60 games. Based on his actual play I'd think it would have been just a bit higher than that.
Im actually surprised he only has 25 points in 60 games. Based on his actual play I'd think it would have been just a bit higher than that.
- Mar 21, 2006
- 12,143
- 9,025
Ceiling is high, how high, I can’t guess. At least like Caufield, but could be up to like Barzal (taking smaller guys on purpose).
The major thing for me is comparing his stats to Rodrigues.
He's basically produced more points per game than ERod, has more hits and more PP pts all while playing 2.5 minutes less per game.
I get Rodrigues is probably better defensively but at this point, I've seen enough of Samo to give him more TOI and ship Rodrigues out the door in July.
Ghoste
#JustGetIn
Atm, I can see around 20-25 goals in him next season. Especially that he won’t need to toy around on the 4th line like he did at the beginning of this season and he should continue to get PP time from here on out.
What’s impressed me is his passing/set-ups. He hits tape. He should easily get over 20 apples next season being on the Top six.
What’s impressed me is his passing/set-ups. He hits tape. He should easily get over 20 apples next season being on the Top six.
Chaos2k7
Believe!
I am hoping for 30-30 at some point once he fills out, but anything above that is gravy.
PoMo has made him earn his opportunities and fill out his defensive game, the kid plays the right way and I expect him to stick around a while.
PoMo has made him earn his opportunities and fill out his defensive game, the kid plays the right way and I expect him to stick around a while.
His speed in general is very noticeable, one of his best attributes as keeping up with the NHLers as a young kid is one of the more difficult things to do.
Adding Sourdif and Devine into the mix over the next few years will keep our forward group balanced with vets and homegrown youth.
Hopeful the same thing can be said on defense and in net.
Benning, Alscher and Nause on D.
Black in net.
WaitingForThatCab
Gas up the Lombo
- Mar 11, 2017
- 13,749
- 19,281
I have no idea what his ceiling is, but he is already a legitimate top six forward and still has lots of upside.
The thing that constantly impresses me is not the talent, but the work ethic and commitment to improving his 200ft game. His backchecking is noticeable in every game.
ScottyMascotty
Registered User
I see him having 30+ goals and 70+ points seasons eventually
