The Florida Panthers were surprise entrants into the playoffs last year. It knocked people off their feet that they not only made the playoffs, but ended up winning the Atlantic Division with 103 points and ending up as the 2nd overall seed n the East. Their successes may have lost their luster, however, after losing in 6 games to the New York Islanders, a team that has a long history of postseason struggles, and was able to excise some demons against the Panthers.
Perhaps sit is for that reason that nobody sees the Panthers coming this year, either. They were so good in 2015-16, but good luck finding a talking head that will pick them to make much noise in 2016-17. If they do make the same kind of progress this year, it will be because the relatively obscure additions of players like Jonathan Marchessault and Colton Sceviour make significant impacts. So far, so good. It’s only been two games, but Marchessault is already playing on the first line with Alexander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr, and both Marchessault and Sceviour contributing goals in Florida’s second win of the season. How long until the rest of us notice them?
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