If we are taking the last 4 years combined, the Panthers have had a better regular season record 3 of the previous 4 seasons. They have also played at a 95+ point pace in 3 of the past 4 years. But according to you, that only equals 1 above average regular season. WAT? How is last year not a predictor of future success but the prior 4 years are? You are talking yourself in circles trying to discount the Panthers.
And those one hit wonders usually have huge analytics red flags. Something the Panthers don't have. Their analytics are actually extremely strong.
Price last season: .901 Sv% -1.5 Goals Saved above Expected
Bobrovsky last season: .906 Sv%, -8.1 Goals Saved above Expected
Seems like both teams have a question mark in goal...
Here is where you really show your ass in this discussion. They swapped out 7 forwards including 4 players in the top 6. They brought in 4 new defenseman as well. To say the team didn't receive an overhaul is absolutely absurd.
Did the Panthers benefit from breakout seasons from previously unknown guys like Forsling and Verheaghe? Absolutely. But those breakout seasons are backed up by strong analytics. It's not a wild prediction to expect them to recreate that success.
This argument is insanely flawed because the only thing the Habs did better than the Avs is play a good series. A 7 game sample size. By any other metric, the Avalanche were better than the Habs.
First Point: Panthers missed playoffs in 2018, 2019, 2020. Were they close? Sure - bubble team, barely missed, but they missed all 3 years. Last year they shot to top of standings, very cool.
In comparison - Habs also missed playoffs 3 years in a row. Then last year, made playoffs - no top of division, but they made the finals.
So both teams had a great result last year after 3 disappointing years. Will both teams build off their success? One more than the other? I don't know - but i'm not convinced one team should have way higher expectations than the other.
Second Point: Ok - I'll take your word for it. If you're saying some of those 'one hit wonders' had bad analytics and Panthers don't - assuming you're right, than it means it's true, good chance Panthers are less likely than those to stumble. But - did you actually look at the numbers, or just making a few assumptions? Either way - I want to wait and see. If Panthers are a top team this year (ie 2 years in a row) - i'll be the first saying I'd expect the same for them going into the following year.
Third Point: Bob has been horrible lately. Price was possibly the best player in the playoffs through 2 rounds 2 years ago, and almost certainly the best through 3 rounds last year. He had an uneven regular season though, I've acknowledged that many times here. As a Habs fan I have full faith in Price going into next season. I'd say that majority of my fellow Hab fans would share that sentiment. I'd also say the team overall also has full faith and confidence in Carey Price.
As a Panthers fan - do you have full faith/confidence in Bob? How about your fanbase? How about the team? I assume you answered "no" to all 3 questions. So yes - Florida has big question marks in nets going into the season. Why be so defensive about it? It's pretty obvious. Knight might end up doing great - but he's young, so it's always a bit unsure.
Fourth Point: I'll admit I'm not very familiar with the Panthers roster outside of the core players. I don't have the in-depth knowledge of some fellow HF fans who can tell you everything about absolutely every roster player in any team. Don't think that quite makes me an ass - but if you say so. To the specific text you quoted - my point was if I had told you a year ago "Bob is going to have a horrible season" would you have expected the team to do as well as they did? I'd guess not. So - things are unpredictable. So even though I'm not trying to convince anyone they should believe Habs will finish 2nd - I am defending my position that unexpected results happen all the time - and I optimistically believe Habs will finish 2nd.
Fifth point: Of course the argument is insanely flawed. That's my point. The poster I quoted was saying "Isles played much better than Habs vs Tampa - hence they're a better team". And i'm saying no - you can't just use one 7 game series because if not it means Habs are better than Colorado.
Bottom line - Panthers may have a good looking roster 'on paper' - but I think there still remains many question marks. They could do well, but they may also struggle and not do well. I can see it go either way.
