Panthers Outlook

If there’s one thing the Panthers have made clear this offseason, it is that defense is going to come first. These third period meltdowns led by nervous defenders are going to become a thing of the past. Although Florida doesn’t have much in terms of scoring depth at the moment, it appears as though the Cats are going to try a different strategy this season. One that hopefully will pay off.

It’s no secret that the Eastern Conference is full of speedy teams with scoring machines, especially in the Panthers very own Southeast Division. With Eric Staal leading the Hurricanes, Alex Ovechkin heading the Capitals attack, Ilya Kovalchuk taking the reigns for Atlanta, and now Steven Stamkos joining the ranks of Martin St. Louis and lifetime Lightning man himself Vinny Lecavalier in Tampa Bay, the Panthers have a virtual mine field in their path. Plus, the Panthers only borderline star is now on his way to Phoenix.

So how in the world can the Panthers compete come October? Florida is going to come out next season with a very different style; one reminiscent to the Western Conference. With a strong defensive core anchored by Bryan Allen, a product of a Western Canadian team, and now joined by two more western players, Florida should have the top defense in the division, and one of the best in the conference. The Panthers already have the best goaltender in the division, and it is clear the Panthers are building from the net, outwards.

While the Hurricanes will try to get by with Joe Corvo and Tim Gleason, Washington will try to contain forwards with Mike Green and Tom Poti. While Atlanta hopes draft pick Zach Bogosian can join Tobias Enstrom, Tampa Bay will keep the scoreboards lit with the 32 year olds Dan Boyle and Filip Kuba leading the way.

The Panthers defense looks so formidable right now, that losing potential stud Jay Bouwmeester would still leave the Cats with three pairings that could shut down any team. So while the Panthers are going to have to bank on young guns Shawn Matthias and Michael Frolik putting up decent numbers, they will bring a physical, Western Conference feeling to games next season.

Yes, we all hope that the Panthers will sign a couple of scoring threats during free agency, but it’s going to be defense first in Florida next season. No more 5-4 games on a nightly basis. Hopefully the Panthers can grind their way to a playoff appearance for the first time since the turn of the century.

The Low Down On Wade Redden

Before everybody gets overly excited about the potential Wade Redden signing, I come bearing news.

This may not be the exciting move everybody is waiting for to get the Panthers over the hump. Not only does signing Wade Redden ignore the lack of forwards the team has, but also may signal the end of a Panther we desperately need.

First things first. Why are the Panthers finally willing to overpay a player to land him? It's because Wade Redden goes way back with none other than Jacques Martin. Martin only signs people that he knows, and word has it that this clause may be on the verge of being built into every player's contract with the Panthers. You can only sign if you are a personal friend of Mr. Martin. This is evidenced by the coaching choices, as the candidates have pretty much been narrowed down to Paul Maurice and Andre Savard, both of whom are friends of Martin. It is really sick that Martin needs to know everybody he goes after. For the record, Maurice would be a much better choice than Savard, as Savard is basically a Martin clone.

Back to Redden. He is a puck moving, offensive defensemen. Remind you of someone who's contract is up? That's right, Jay Bouwmeester. Redden and Bouwmeester could never play on the same pairing, and by signing Redden, Martin may be waiving the white flag on the signing of Jay Bo. Not only would this be a horrible trade off because of age, but Bouwmeester's potential far outweighs anything Redden could bring to the table.

A team that gives up 74 shots a game does not need to be looking for an offensive defensemen. Look to forwards to bring you more offense, while concentrating on defensive defensemen like Bryan Allen to sure up that front.

Wade Redden put up 38 points and a +11 rating last season, but he isn't the answer to the problems in Panthersland. If anything, the money Florida puts out for him may prevent them from doing much else, further hampering the team.

Martin talks about how it is not necessary for the Panthers to have a coach in place by the start of free agency because the Panthers do not need to be very active in free agency. He's obviously up to his same old tricks. Frolik and Matthias are promising, but they will not lead the Panthers to a playoff run this season. Free agency is the only hope the Panthers have of significantly improving before next season. Somebody get me Martin on speed dial. I've got a few words for him.