I know this isn’t how we wanted it to end. No one wants to be blown out in an elimination game. But before you start complaining about the officiating or whatever you’re going to complain about stop and remember a few things.
We are one year removed from the President’s Cup, with a new coach, new system and we traded the dude who owned a whole bunch of franchise records (until Barky de-thrones him from most of them). What we have accomplished with all of that? Almost unheard of. The second year + of a coach is generally when things all come together and click.
ALSO REALLY IMPORTANT: We have cap space going into next season since the massive increase of Yandle’s buyout comes off the books. We only have $1,241,667 in dead money next year. Translation: We have flexibility. Our only UFA’s heading into the offseason? One that is a must re-sign IMHO – Gudas. Other than The Butcher, we have both Staals, Lucas Carlson, Casey Fitzgerald, Alex Lyon and Horney. Horney is most likely done as a player. RFAs? Givani Smith and Colin White. That’s it. This roster is set up for next season. (There are deals that SHOULD be done this offseason for UFAs expiring next summer but that’s another discussion for another day). This series has proved time and time again that we need some serious defensive upgrades and I’m crossing my fingers that’s what Zito has planned.
We have Barky and Chucky for another 7 years together. We are going to be okay. This stings and sucks but if I have to be really honest – I’d rather lose the series there then have them come home and do this on home ice. I wouldn’t be able to handle an opponent skating around with the cup on our ice.
\*all salary cap/contract situations come from: [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/panthers](https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/panthers) \*
by SportsChick79
18 Comments
Appreciate your post. The finish isn’t always great. But the ride has been awesome.
This team has a real window ahead of it. But who knows. You never do. Proud of this run. Sucks to see the blowout. But Vegas is legit.
And don’t forget, this wasn’t supposed to be our year. We got our first finals win ever, and the core is locked up. We have a great future ahead of us. This Vegas team is playing in a way that can’t be beat. People had oilers or Boston winning. And Vegas made oilers look bad, too. We have to see next year as a new season, and this is us learning how the finals work. Crosby lost in the finals before he lifted the cup. We have to think of that. Chucky will raise a cup in Florida, it’s just not now.
In all honesty the Panthers were never supposed to get past Boston. While this series with Vegas is disappointing and the Cats were outplayed throughout this series, the first 3 rounds were fairytale like. What a gift for panthers fans, a deep playoff run by a team who squeaked in and upset the best regular season team in history. Hats off to the boys for a hard fought and well played playoffs. I’m sure they’ve won over a much deeper fan base along the way to cheer them on next year.
Better team won.
I just cant stand how mean spirited Vegas fans are. Theyre such sore winners its frustrating. If my team won the cup id be to overjoyed to be mean
Leafs fan. Doesnt look good guys. Dont hang your heads. Theres only one team thats outlasted you guys. The rest have been golfing for weeks already. The path you took to get here was epic. If this sub is any indication of your fanbase, you guys have been classy all through the playoffs. Ive been chatting here since our series and only ever got one kinda rude comment. You guys had a large chunk of the league pulling for you. Vegas is a hell of a hockey team. Cheers, great run.
I’m glad we made it this far, even if we lose. Its been so long and I’m not taking it for granted, I will always cherish this run.
IN ZITO WE TRUST
Tonight I’m devastated. Tomorrow I’ll be sad. In a few days, I’ll be okay with this. Give it awhile, and this will be the most exciting playoff run I’ve ever witnessed.
I went to my first Stanley Cup game, and got to see my favorite team at home! Fuck, I’m feeling better already.
Love this post and can’t wait to see what happens in the off season!
I had a blast this post season. In the end, no complaints
💯
I am super proud of this team! Definitely need to work on that power play next season!
Let’s go Cats!!!!!
Well said. This was such an incredible post season and I can’t wait to see what happens in the offseason
We can all take pride in the fact that two Florida teams took two Boston teams out of postseason play.
Good job, Cats. Hell of a ride. We’ll get ’em again next season.
This feels like shit now but I’m glad we got destroyed this game rather than losing by 1 late. That roster is fucking loaded and we finished in 17th place. Karlsson is a first line player playing on their 3rd line. That team was already stacked before they got Eichel. Sucks that we had to be the team to lose to them but what a fucking run this was. If we can overcome the Bob contract and add some actual depth to our roster we are golden.
putting $1k down on us winning the cup next year
Best season? I doubt it, last year was infinitely better for the Panthers. Best Playoffs? Yes.