To start things off for the Off The Boards column, the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup in an exciting seven-game series against the Edmonton Oilers, extending Canada’s cup-less streak over 30 years.
In a decision, Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, gave the Conn Smyth trophy to the Oilers Connor McDavid and also named it in his honor [joke]. Some may argue that a member of losing team shouldn’t win this award, but look at ESPN’s newest 30 for 30. Vancouver and Montreál have had two riots a peice.
This Stanley Cup final was one of the more exciting ones. It looked like it was going to be the classic sweep, but surprise, Edmonton forced a game seven, and well, it came down to Sam Reinhart, who secured the 2-1 win over the Oilers. Reinhart has always been a decent player, but he was just one of those players who broke out and played like you had never seen him before.
Let me say this: Reinhart has been a pivotal piece to the Florida Panthers’ cup run—and an essential breakout piece. He racked up 94 points and contributed to the physical side of the game. He isn’t afraid to block a shot—leading the Panthers’ forwards with 66.
This year, the Panthers are coming off winning the Stanley Cup, so the team has some pride to add to the equation— and some luck on their side; what I am concerned with— is just, maybe not this upcoming seasons, but usually after a series of good performances— a team kinds of fall. Especially when you bank too much in your active players. The Panther’s past five years have produced two Stanley Cup finals, a Presidents Trophy, and five playoff appearances.
Logistically, around half their regular players are in their 30s or nearing that point—which is typically when they start getting traded around—especially when they aren’t named Sidney Crosby. Even Sid, the 37-year-old, has had trade rumors lately. [Rangers?[I’m playing, don’t come at me [or am I].
Back to the point of the article, the Florida Panthers. Let’s talk about The Number One Cop. Sergei Bobrovsky is really a playoff player—I mean, he’ll have an 8-point save percentage during the regular season and then turn into the best in the league. It’s a funny occurrence that makes it insane that he didn’t win the Conn Smythe. We all know McDavid is good, but Bobrovsky showed up.
I think the key to the Panthers sucesses, is the depth they were able to show, they weren’t just relying on one or two lines, they were relying on all four lines, and had a good goalie, but didn’t bank in Bobrovsky making a save.
