The Florida Panthers have been on a tear since the start of 2024, with a record of 16-4-2 and the best points-percentage in the NHL. They are currently just one point behind the Boston Bruins for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, with a game in hand. Many are touting them as the Eastern Conference favorite to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals once again, and it’s not hard to see why.
The Panthers have one of the most complete teams in the East, ranking in the top five in every category that measures team performance. Their possession metrics are impressive, with a Corsi percentage of second and an expected goals percentage of third. Their power play and penalty kill both rank in the top five, and they have the second-best goals-against per game in the league.
Despite their strong performance, the Panthers have been somewhat unlucky in terms of goal-scoring. They have the fifth-best expected goals for per 60 minutes at even strength, but they are only shooting 7.24 percent, ranking 29th in the league. This has resulted in a goals per game ranking of 24th. However, this also means that there is room for improvement for the Panthers, which is a scary thought for their opponents.
The Panthers boast one of the best 1-2 center combinations in the league, with Sasha Barkov and Sam Bennett leading the charge. Barkov, in particular, has been a standout player for the Panthers, with possession numbers that rival even Connor McDavid’s. Bennett has provided the platform for Sam Reinhart to excel, and the Panthers have a well-balanced forward group that can create scoring opportunities from multiple lines.
On the blue line, the Panthers have one of the deepest defensive groups in the NHL. Aaron Ekblad has returned from injury to be one of the top defensemen in the league, and the Panthers have benefited from a resurgence from Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Their defensive depth allows them to be aggressive in defending their blue line, denying clean entries into their zone and quickly turning defense into offense.
In goal, the Panthers have two strong goaltenders in Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz. Bobrovsky, who was instrumental in getting the Panthers to the Final last season, is having a strong regular season with a .916 save percentage. Stolarz has also been impressive as a backup, with a .925 save percentage and the fifth-best goals-saved-above-average-per-game among goalies.
Looking ahead, the Panthers are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run. They have a strong team with few weaknesses, and they match up well against their Eastern Conference rivals. With their combination of strong defense, potent offense, and solid goaltending, the Panthers have a legitimate shot at making another run to the Stanley Cup Finals this season.
