30 in 30: Reasons for Optimism

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 30 teams throughout August. Today, the biggest reasons for optimism for the Florida Panthers:

The Florida Panthers surpassed expectations last season when they won the Atlantic Division with 103 points, the most in their history, but they’re looking to take the next step.

That would be winning a Stanley Cup Playoff series, something they haven’t done since their run to the Cup Final in 1996, the longest drought in the NHL. First, the Panthers will have to earn a second consecutive playoff berth, something they haven’t done since 1997.

The Panthers expect to accomplish that goal, thanks in large part to their talented young nucleus.

Here are four reasons for optimism entering this season:

1. Strength up the middle

With Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck and Nick Bjugstad, the Panthers have depth at center.

Barkov, the No. 2 pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, led the Panthers with 28 goals last season despite missing 16 games because of injuries, and the 20-year-old already is one of the best two-way players in the League.

Trocheck emerged as a key player last season; his 25 goals were tied for the Panthers lead before his regular season was cut short because of a foot injury. He was so impressive in the second half of the season that Jaromir Jagr called him Florida’s MVP.

2. …

continue reading in source panthers.nhl.com