The Florida Panthers: The Team That Drives the NHL Wild
The Florida Panthers have achieved the feat of winning the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive time, a victory that, according to many, is the perfect way to exasperate everyone who is not part of this team. The Panthers have established themselves as the “bad guys” of the National Hockey League (NHL), provoking mixed reactions: while opponents criticize their actions, fans of other teams feel a deep aversion. After 29 years, the franchise, known for the tradition of throwing rats onto the ice, now has the most famous “rat” on the ice: winger Brad Marchand, who has embraced this nickname. This success is not only due to his preparation and talent, but also to his ability to provoke his rivals.This provocation comes from players like Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk, who are experts at provoking and enjoying it. Jonah Gadjovich also stands out, sticking his tongue out at the Edmonton Oilers after a confrontation with Darnell Nurse. Sam Bennett’s ability to collide with opposing goalies and the team’s ability to draw penalties without receiving them are other key aspects. Evander Kane of the Oilers lamented during the Stanley Cup final: “They seem to get away with more than us. It’s hard to find the limit.” Marchand responded to Kane: “Sometimes we get away with it. You can’t call everything all the time.” The Panthers’ attitude is an essential element of their success: offensive dominance, defensive solidity, and a group of players who always deliver. Under the direction of coach Paul Maurice, Florida has reached three Stanley Cup Finals, being the first team to achieve this in three consecutive full seasons since the Edmonton Oilers of 1983-85. Like the Oilers of the 80s, the Panthers lost in their first final against the Vegas Golden Knights, but then won two consecutive Stanley Cups. They are the seventh team in the last 40 years to achieve this feat. The team’s depth is unmatched. Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, finalists for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forwards, lead the first line, frequently facing the Oilers’ Connor McDavid. Bennett and Tkachuk, a dynamic duo, form the second line. Marchand, in the best playoff series of his career, consolidates a third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell. The defensive pairings of Aaron Ekblad and Gustav Forsling, and Seth Jones and Niko Mikkola, were brilliant in the postseason. Sergei Bobrovsky was the last line of defense in goal. The Panthers set a record as the best away team in NHL playoff history, matching the record for wins (10) and surpassing the record for goals scored away from home (61).It’s the “bad boy” mentality. They embody it. They hit you and then stand over you to tell you how good they are. And then they tell you they’re going to beat you, by any means necessary.
A current NHL player
Messier doesn’t see the Panthers as a team defined by their villainy. “They can play any style they want. They have underrated talent in many positions,” he said. “This is a very sophisticated, talented, and motivated team.” However, the Panthers don’t want to be defined solely as “thugs”.Anyone who knows hockey marvels at what they have achieved.
Mark Messier, Hockey Hall of Fame member
The Panthers argue that their actions on the ice do not reflect how they are off it. They emphasize chemistry, culture, and camaraderie as the true foundations of their championships. “We want to play fast and physical. We want to support each other when necessary,” said Tkachuk. The question is: Are the Florida Panthers actually the friendliest “bullies” who have won the Stanley Cup twice?I don’t think we’re great f… physicists.
Bill Zito, general manager
At the end of the day, you’re willing to do things on the ice that aren’t typical of you as a person off the ice.
Brad Marchand
Tkachuk brought with him a confidence that helped the team. Zito explained that Tkachuk’s ability to play with intelligence and aggressiveness is the reason why the Panthers are misunderstood. “He has a nuanced game that combines elite hands and hockey sense with a level of competition,” said Zito.
The Panthers reject the idea of being the “goons” of the NHL. “We just try to play as hard as we can,” said Ekblad. Zito added that physical play is part of hockey and that it’s not about intimidating, but about competing. Marchand has been part of two difficult teams to face: the Boston Bruins and the Panthers. Both were called “bullies”, but according to Marchand, they simply played the way necessary to survive in the postseason. “It’s the style of play you want to be a part of,” he said. Marchand has experienced the “villain” side of the Panthers. “I didn’t hold a grudge. I know how this game is played. I played similarly and it’s something we joke about now,” Marchand said. “In our sport, you can fight with a guy and get together afterwards and laugh about everything. That’s how it is.” The real reason for their success, according to them, is the team’s chemistry. “They’re tough on the ice. And most of that is driven by how they feel about each other. They don’t want to let each other down,” said Maurice. “These guys are different.” For Marchand, the experience with the Panthers includes getting shot with plastic rats by the fans. “They’re just intimidating me. They’re shooting to hurt now,” he joked. The team camaraderie, from poker games to Dairy Queen outings, contributes to a relaxed atmosphere. The comedy democracy in the Panthers’ locker room is notable. The players say that no one is spared from jokes, regardless of their salary or playing time. It’s the result of the team’s overall mentality. “Each guy’s character and grace is incredible,” said Zito. Maurice conducts a “cultural survey” every offseason. A player reported that upon entering the Panthers’ locker room for the first time, “I felt like I had been there for 10 years.” Barkov is key to that chemistry, according to Maurice. “He’s like a magnet. You find yourself gravitating towards him,” Schmidt said. Marchand has learned from Barkov, and the feeling is mutual. “It’s fun to watch, and it’s contagious. You want to work as hard as him,” said Barkov. The Panthers’ roster has changed in recent years. Players like Eric and Marc Staal, Radko Gudas, Brandon Montour, Ryan Lomberg, Nick Cousins, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Vladimir Tarasenko have been part of the team. “You just try to fit in, come in and not disrupt anything, not change anything,” Greer said. The humility and family warmth within the Panthers contrast with the image they project on the ice. They are the personification of “a player you love to have on your team and hate to play against”, a hockey cliché that Marchand used to describe Bennett. They frustrate their opponents in games and strive to play like champions off the field. “Some of the types that are the biggest pieces of m… on the ice are the biggest people off the ice,” said a current NHL player. Maurice was questioned about this dichotomy. The conclusion is that the Panthers are not just what they are on the ice, nor just what they are off it, but the sum of those parts, which have made them consecutive Stanley Cup champions. “They’re all very, very nice people,” Maurice said of his team. “Then the puck drops.”
