The Florida Panthers have had a rollercoaster start to the 2023-24 NHL season. Despite opening with consecutive losses and missing key players due to injuries, they have managed to hold their own. Currently ranked 13th in The Hockey News power rankings, the Panthers are showing signs of improvement. With players like Aaron Ekblad, Brandon Montour, and Sam Bennett expected to return soon, the team is poised for a comeback. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Panthers’ season so far and what lies ahead for them.
The Panthers’ early struggles can be attributed to the absence of key players. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour have been recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, while Sam Bennett suffered a lower-body injury during the preseason. These injuries have made it challenging for the defending Eastern Conference Champions to find their rhythm. However, the team has shown resilience and has won three of their past four games.
One player to watch out for is Sam Bennett. He is expected to resume practicing with his teammates this week and could make his season debut soon. His return will provide a much-needed boost to the Panthers’ lineup. Additionally, the team has been buoyed by the strong performances of Jonathan Huberdeau and Jacob Markstrom.
In terms of the power rankings, there have been a few surprises. The Detroit Red Wings have had a strong start to the season, led by star forward Alex DeBrincat. They currently sit in the top ten, which is unexpected for many. On the other hand, the Edmonton Oilers and the Seattle Kraken, both playoff teams from last year, find themselves near the bottom of the rankings.
Looking ahead, the Panthers have a busy schedule. They have one more game this week against the Seattle Kraken before embarking on a three-game road trip. This road trip includes back-to-back games in Boston and Detroit, followed by a final game in Chicago. It will be a test of the team’s resilience and depth.
In conclusion, the Florida Panthers have faced their fair share of challenges early in the season. However, they have shown determination and have started to turn things around. With key players returning from injury and a favourable schedule ahead, the Panthers have the potential to climb up the rankings and make a strong push for the playoffs. Fans should keep a close eye on this team as the season progresses.