Do the Florida Panthers have what it takes to repeat next year?

[5Hollywood5]

that's a question only Sergei could answer

 

[HockeyVirus]

Baffling they even won this year (although I guess the Oilers with Drai and McDavid choking help).

I expect them to take a heavy step back next season. Wildcard team IMO

 

[FerrisRox]

rangers beat them with no Trouba

No they don't.

 

[Three On Zero]

The biggest reason they won was Bob, and he’s still there, so I wouldn’t be shocked if they did

Of all the things that happened in the playoffs, this is a terrible take.

Florida has the horses to make it again, but going to the finals for a 3rd time isn’t going to be an easy task.

 

[JPT]

I just cannot get past the thread title

They should change it to "Do Florida have what it takes to repeat next year?"

 

[GOilers88]

3 Finals in a row is a tall task for any team. That's a ton of hockey over 3 seasons.

I think they absolutely have the talent to go back, but the odds would probably tell me it's unlikely.

 

[CupsOverCash]

I think they have a few things going for them. They still have a great roster capable of going far. They still have Bob and experience with the team that won it. The division they're in still isn't great and the conference just isn't that great altogether. The difficult thing is to be able to go through the 82 games again and still have the level of competing that you had the previous years with the wear and tear. Then also the other teams are giving you their best night in and out compared to teams that don't win it. You just get up for a game vs the defending champs different than you do for the team that didn't. So it will be more difficult for sure. They have it in them with the talent just the wear and tear and the added difficulty of being a defending champ.

 

[Slapshot_11]

I think we see 2 different teams next finals

 

[BB79]

A lot depends on Bobrovsky. At his age plus 2 straight SCF seasons, I wouldn't be surprised if it was a bit of a down year for him. They're still a deep team that will do damage in the playoffs though.

I actually think Toronto might take the next step forward next spring if they can stay healthy down the stretch, especially their top line and Woll. It should be an interesting season. Wondering how TB is going to look without Stamkos, and how Nashville will look with him.

 

[I am not exposed]

Baffling they even won this year (although I guess the Oilers with Drai and McDavid choking help).

I expect them to take a heavy step back next season. Wildcard team IMO

Nice, we're going to be back-to-back champions!

 

[DudeWhereIsMakar]

I honestly think they do. I'm gonna predict they acquire a reasonable amount of veterans at the deadline where other teams retain salary similar to Okposo and Tarasenko this years deadline. They also got Nate Schmidt who I think is a very good pick-up and replacement for OEL.

 

[BackToTheBrierePatch]

The Panthers have played a lot of hockey the last 2 seasons. Eventually it catches up with you. See Tampa. Not saying they can’t do it but going to the Cup Final 3 straight years is hard. Real hard

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

 

[floridada]

I doubt it.
I'm not even sure they'll make the playoffs.

Sweet. Another cup confirmed.

 

[Cats2TheCup]

1 team has made the Final 3 straight years since the mid-80's Oilers dynasty. At least is a very strong phrase. They almost blew a 3-0 series lead in the Final. They beat the Rangers by a goal in the last couple games. Last couple wins against the Bruins were by a goal. Those outcomes could've been different with a bounce.

If if if if

Baffling they even won this year (although I guess the Oilers with Drai and McDavid choking help).

I expect them to take a heavy step back next season. Wildcard team IMO

it would be the first prediction you ever made that came true, so we all know what that means, and thank you

 

[Bradely]

Simple response. No.

 

[12ozPapa]

They should change it to "Do Florida have what it takes to repeat next year?"

Florida have do what to take for next repeat year?

 

[PaulD]

lost montour to seattle...also losing ekman-larsson to the leafs....

i think its gonna be hard for them to repeat next year...

Montour was not at all good in this run.
Maurice had to take him off the powerplay as he was not producing and was coffing up shorties.
OEL contribution will be easily replaced.He will struggle on the leafs.
Panther are sure fire contenders. Bolts made the finals three straight seasons. Panthers can too.

 

[CanadienShark]

Of course he was - he won every series and hoisted the Cup. How did those other teams do again? Oh, they lost. I forgot.

That's not how you evaluate players.

Bob was very good, arguably great when considering the totality of the playoffs, but your argument is absolute nonsense.

 

[TruePowerSlave]

Probably not. They lost depth and two back-to-back finals runs + the cup will take its toll.

The cap in general makes it extremely difficult to make multiple consecutive deep runs, not to mention three finals in a row.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Probably not. They lost depth and two back-to-back finals runs + the cup will take its toll.

The cap in general makes it extremely difficult to make multiple consecutive deep runs, not to mention three finals in a row.

So who out of NYR and Boston gets to the final then? Those are the only 2 threats as it stands now.

 

[TruePowerSlave]

So who out of NYR and Boston gets to the final then? Those are the only 2 threats as it stands now.

Rangers out of those two. However, we do get unexpected finalists quite often. Too early to say really.

 

[NVious]

It's obvious the Florida Panthers have been as far as. They've even do more like.

 

[ps241]

Don't underestimate the wear and tear of going to the finals 2 years in a row while playing full 82 game seasons.

Yes, “they have what it takes” still….But you have highlighted the main reason that it will be very tough. Not only physically, but emotionally, mentally, it’s just such a collective grind with B2B shortened off seasons to recover.

I could see them getting another cup with this core at some point but I think this upcoming season will be tough.

 

[Miller Time]

They were pretty lucky on the injury front last season.

Losing Montour & OEL makes them a bit thinner on D, though the Boqvist add could prove to be genius.

As good a bet to repeat as any recent cup winners, but also wouldnt be surprised to see them miss the POs all together given how strong the division is.