One step away from the big goal
2023-08-10For the first time in EHE history, the Panthers not only advanced past the 2nd round of the playoffs, but also won Eastern Conference beating the Flyers in 7 games.
When GM Gardiner took over the Panthers in 2020, he promised the fans that the team would not go into rebuilding, but would continue to build systematically on its way to a coveted cup. And now 3 years later, the team will play in the finals!
The basic foundation was laid in previous seasons when Dadonov, Benn and of course Tavares were acquired. During FA 2023 GM Gardiner took the highly controversial step of signing Tyler Seguin to a 3-year nearly $9 million contract. Seguin was the team's 3rd leading scorer at the end of the regular season and before the Finals, he also ranks 3rd in playoff games.
Before the start of the season in a deal with Vancouver Canucks was acquired Conor Garland for young prospect Tyson Forester. Parting with a prospect you picked in the 1st round is always tough, but as time has shown it was the right deal for the Panthers. Conor Garland shares the top-1 spot in the Panthers' bambardier race with John Tavares himself before the start of the final series. A meeting against his former team, and even in the finals, is great motivation and added intrigue!
The start of the season for the Panthers was successful 6-0-0 and it would seem that everything was done rightly. However then the swings began and after several series in which 2-3 losses with 1-2 wins alternated, the management had to think. Given the strength of the Eastern Conference, Gardiner realized that it would be extremely difficult to compete even for a playoff spot. However after analyzing the whole situation it was decided to continue what they had started.
Changes in lines and style of play led to improved results. After that, Panters in a trade with Ottawa acquired experienced offensive dman John Klinberg, who filled a spot in the top-4 and improved the PP.
But despite all of these acquisitions, perhaps the most important one was made closer to the deadline. Derek Ryan and Riley Sheahan are far from the biggest names, but it was these guys who were able to fix what had previously been one of the Panthers' biggest problems - penalty kill play. After the first two playoff series, the Panthers' penalty kill percentage was almost 98%! Of course the Flyers' star players were able to worsen those numbers, but 93.7% before the series with the Canucks is encouraging.
Of course, to do that, the Panthers had to give up their prized assets, but the team already has young players like Keller, Hanifin, plus we expect continued progress from Peterka, Byfield and Guenther.
It won't be long before the final series against the Vancouver Canucks begins. If during the regular season we could only dream about the coveted cup, now... As they say - appetite comes at mealtime!
Let's go Panthers!
One step away from the big goal!
P.s: We would like to note the phenomenal play of Ilya Sorokin, who has already recorded 5 shutouts.
Much respect that you decided on a direction and stuck with the process. Your team was lurking in the weeds all year, and look at them now! Habe ich nicht gesagt, dass die Panthers echt gefährlich werden? haha
One step away from the big goal
One step away from the big goal
Best of luck in the final stretch !
One step away from the big goal
One step away from the big goal