Although the Florida Panthers are entering what many fans view as a “rebuild” or “experimental” season, it’s vitally important to support the overlooked, redesigned Cats team.
According to the Panthers’ official website, single game tickets will begin going on sale to the utter delight of passionate, loyal Cats’ fans this Wednesday (August 16th). There are an abundance of reasons to purchase season tickets and occasionally attend home games at the BB&T Center.
Following an unexpectedly disastrous 2016-17 campaign, the ownership essentially promoted successful, proven GM Dale Tallon back to his original position where he rightfully belongs. Subsequently, Dale brought aboard an entirely new coaching staff, scouting department and promising players.
Florida Panthers’ fans should be excited by the possibility of having the dynamic first line of Huberdeau-Barkov-Dadonov for the entire season (hopefully avoid any nagging injuries). Aaron Ekblad, arguably the face of this franchise, is heading into the season re-energized, with a chip on his shoulder. Dependable veterans Roberto Luongo and James Reimer undoubtedly form a formidable combination between the pipes; often concealing a plethora of goals and negating countless scoring opportunities.
Enthusiastic and optimistic Cats’ fans have the opportunity to watch a team on the rise; and potentially experience another successful season under excited HC Bob Boughner and trustworthy GM Dale Tallon. Skepticism regarding this team’s current expectations are certainly understandable. However, the fans must remain supportive as the club suddenly appears to be moving in a positive direction.
The Panthers contain a young nucleus of unproven players who’re hoping to impress; as well as the same core players who’ll be returning such as Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Nick Bjugstad, Aaron Ekblad and Keith Yandle . The defensive group has the extreme potential of developing to a higher level, with the mixture of experienced veterans and talented, eager “kids”.
New additions via draft and free agency Owen Tippett, Radim Vrbata and Evgeni Dadonov will surely provide a scoring punch and consistent production on the top 6 forward group. Viewing the Panthers’ upcoming season through a negative outlook doesn’t provide the players with confidence and motivation to perform up to high standards. The Panthers are two years removed from an Atlantic division title and franchise-best season, with essential pieces of that remarkable team still in place.
Florida Panthers
It’s highly recommended that Florida Panthers’ fans attend games, as the experience itself is certainly worthwhile. Going to hockey games is primarily about spending quality time with friends and family. Hockey is mainly for the purpose of entertainment. Regardless of the outcome of a certain home game, many fans(including myself) still return home satisfied and enlightened because of the electric atmosphere, competitiveness of the players and socializing/interacting with other Cats’ fans throughout the course of the hockey game.
Ultimately, hockey promotes friendship as I’ve made an abundance of friends solely based on our passion for the game alone. Personally, attending a Panther’s home game is relatively inexpensive, as ownership makes tickets affordable for many. The Cats are rising with a vengeance and are currently trending upwards.
I’m definitely looking forward for the chance to attend approximately ten home games, and I strongly suggest everybody else to show up regularly or occasionally as well.