Florida

2015-16 Florida Panthers Season Preview

The Panthers will try and build on last year with renewed hope of a postseason berth

The Florida Panthers excited their fans last season by staying in contention and the 2015-16 squad is primed to do the same.

Florida has only ventured into the playoffs one time in the last 15 seasons, and has missed the postseason in three straight campaigns. That almost wasn't the case last season when the Panthers compiled 91 points. That total ended up not being enough as the eighth seed had 98 points.

Part of the reason that Florida was able to stay in contention was the acquisition of Jaromir Jagr. Despite being past his prime, Jagr put up big numbers in his brief time with the Panthers. The veteran had 18 points in 20 games which included six goals. The 43-year old looked quick on his feet and led by example.

Jagr and the Panthers decided quickly to stay together after last season ended. Jagr signed a one-year contract extension only one day after the season came to a close. This could be the final year for the star, but that is not guaranteed.

A big key for Florida's success will of course be the contributions of Roberto Luongo. The Panthers will only go as far as their goaltender lets them. Luongo was 28-19-2 with a .921 save percentage last year. These are lofty numbers and overall ranked Luongo as one of the better goalies in the game.

Despite Luongo's solid work in the net last year, the Panthers lost several games due to a lack of offense. Luongo could only do so much, and his teammates too often let him down. A few scores here and there could have been made all the difference in the standings last season. 

During the off-season, Florida obtained Reilly Smith in a trade with the Boston Bruins. The 24-year old had a lackluster season last year, but a solid year in 2013. Florida will hope that Smith can return to the form he had in that season. If the winger can contribute anything close to the 51 points he posted in 2013, it could make the difference for Florida.

The Panthers will also look for Aaron Ekblad to build on a good rookie season. In his first year in the NHL, Ekblad had 39 points including 12 goals. After the year concluded, the 19-year old was given the Calder Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the top rookie.

Florida's season will get underway on Saturday with a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:00 p.m.

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