A note of renewed optimism accompanies the Florida Panthers as they get set to return from the holiday break against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the BB&T Center. As little as a month ago, an article written by Miami Herald reporter George Richards referred to the Panthers’ playoff chances as “already daunting.” While he admitted […]

Since their purchase of the Panthers in 2013, owners Vincent Viola and Doug Cifu have been a driving force in improving the South Florida franchise. They eliminated ticket giveaways that inflated attendance numbers and that alienated fans who paid full price. They re-configured the Panthers as a community-oriented organization that has also fielded an ever […]

The Panthers’ on-ice efforts have been getting an extra boost from behind the bench this season thanks to Gerard Gallant’s effective use of the recently-introduced coach’s challenge. Through 27 games this season, Florida’s bench boss has challenged five calls. Of these, three have been successful. However, the resulting win-loss record (3-2) is not indicative of […]

Coming Up Big Against Detroit When the Florida Panthers needed someone to ‘step up’ and put the puck past Petr Mrazek in the overtime frame of Saturday’s tilt with the Detroit Red Wings, veteran defenseman Brian Campbell answered the call. During a Red Wings line change, Campbell joined the rush, received a beautiful drop feed […]

Despite sinking to seventh place in the Atlantic Division with a 6-7-3 record following Thursday’s loss to Buffalo, the Florida Panthers still have plenty to feel good about. Especially the performance of forwards Derek MacKenzie and Vincent Trocheck. Centering the team’s fourth line, MacKenzie leads the team in plus-minus, with a plus-7 rating, and in […]