5 NHL teams that missed the 2019 playoffs but will clinch in 2020
By Kyle McKenna
4. Florida Panthers
Speaking of underachieving … the Florida Panthers have been connected to that term far too many times over the past decade.
In fact, the Cats haven’t advanced past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since Florida’s memorable run to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final.
While the Panthers are currently on the outside looking in, the Joel Quenneville era as the team’s new head coach will not disappoint a fanbase that’s long overdue for playoff glory.
Fans are familiar with the aggressive moves that the organization executed over the offseason, which included the signing of unrestricted-free-agent and two-time Vezina Trophy winner (2013 & 2017), Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Cats are set between the pipes with one of the NHL’s top three goaltenders, have an above-average blue line with the likes of Aaron Ekblad leading the way – and have the necessary depth on offense to finally be a contender again in the Eastern Conference.
Adding forwards such as Brian Boyle and 2018 Stanley Cup champion Brett Connolly (Washington Capitals) should prove to go a long way for South Florida’s hockey team.
While consistent and healthy goaltending in addition to depth on offense has haunted the Panthers in the past, the team’s special teams are what will more than likely put Florida over the hump. The Panthers have an above-average power play (ranked 13th in the NHL), but the team’s penalty kill is sixth in the league and first for the Eastern Conference.
South Florida deserves a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Panther nation can expect just that this spring.