Page 19 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 150

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #150 July 2025 19

Florida Panthers…. Can they 3Peat?

Over the Boards become one of the NHL’s most You can find him matched up hockey. Gustav Forsling, Nate
successful
against the oppositions best Schmidt, Dimitri Kulikov and
being
franchises
led by a competent front office players and what a job he does Niko Mikkala were so tough
By Brad Robertson fronted by General Manager, slowing them down. In the to play against and helped shut
Bill Zito, and have a trusted second round matchup versus the down some of the worlds best
experienced head coach in Paul Toronto Maple Leafs (the team offensive talent on their way to
Maurice. This duo is doing great that stretched them to 7 games) he the Cup victory.
things in this market and the was matched up against Auston
Now where do they go from
fruits of their labor are paying Matthews and kept him in check. here. As I write this they had 4
dividends in spades. They have In the finals he was out against
key unrestricted free agents to
built a culture there that focuses the worlds best player, Connor
deal with in Sam Bennett, Aaron
on team success. Everyone on McDavid and did the same to
Ekblad, Brad Marchand and
the roster buys in and does their him. Not easy tasks but he was
Nate Schmidt. As of this writing
part. They are the deepest roster up to the challenge. Florida is a
Bennett has re-upped with the
in the game. Players buy in to team that takes no prisoners and club on an 8 year deal worth 64
what they are doing and want to the grit and determination to do million (AAV 8M). That left
he Stanley Cup Champion play there in that environment. what it takes to win is on full GM Zito with about 11 million
TFlorida Panthers have won The roster is centred around display most nights. The Conn to re-sign these players and
their second Stanley Cup in a their selfless captain Aleksander Smythe winner was Sam Bennett others without contracts. Zito
row and have been in the finals Barkov. Known for his all around but this award could have been has convinced his best players
3 years running. They have game Barkov leads by example. given to many of the Panthers. to accept below market deals
Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk to stay together. He hopes to
Cornwall’s Oldest Paint, and Carter Verhaeghe all led keep Ekblad but I’m guessing
Blind & Shutter Store. the team with 23 playoff points.
Family owned Business Since 1988 Marchand and Schmidt move
Barkov was 1 off at 22 along with on. The core is still in tact with
Presents “Famous Sports Quotes” Bennett who also led the team or without them and Zito has

with 15 goals. Trade deadline the ability to add whatever is
“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” acquisition Brad Marchand necessary at the trade deadline

Vince Lombardi had 20 points and several game next season.

winning goals. He accepted a Free agency opens up July 1.
role on the 3rd line and they were

  dynamite. Nineteen Panthers had All eyes will be on the top of the
heap to see where players like


 
goals in the playoffs. This speaks Mitch Marner, Nic Ehlers, Brock
volumes about their depth.
Boeser and the likes end up.
     Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is Florida isn’t in a financial position
a true number one net minder. He
was his usual solid self coming to go out and spend crazy in the

up big when needed. The defence market but they have no need to.
core is led by original Panther They believe in this group and
Aaron Ekblad and his supporting for good reason. I wouldn’t bet
against the Panthers in their quest
Since 1988 cast was outstanding. The other for a 3 peat. The road is tough
Celebrating 38 years savvy deal Zito swung before to win Lord Stanley’s mug but
the deadline was acquiring Seth
Quality & Service At The Right Price! Jones from Chicago and the trade this team has the talent, mindset,
Paints, Blinds, Shutters front office and coaching to keep
to a contender reinvigorated it rolling for several more years.
240 Pitt Street • 613-933-8924 • www.jas-mar.com Jones. He played outstanding Congratulations to the Panthers!