The Florida Panthers have yet to win a game this season and not many have been present to see those games.
Playing in front of a franchise record low 7,311 fans on Monday night, the Panthers fell to 0-2-1 on the season. The tiny crowd came only a game after the home opener which also featured a poor turnout.
One problem facing the Panthers is the lack of a winning environment. Florida made the playoffs in the 2011-12 season but finished seventh in the Atlantic division last season. As a franchise, there is a long history of unproductive seasons and lackluster fan support. Since joining the NHL back in 1993-14, the Panthers have only advanced past the Conference Quarterfinals one time. That was during their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1995-96 season.
This year, the Panthers have been found themselves on the losing end of every contest including the preseason. In the exhibition schedule, Florida finished 0-4-2 after starting with two shootouts. The last two preseason games showed a potential problem when Florida only scored once in contrast to seven goals allowed.
An inability to put the puck in the net has been a common trend as the Panthers have been outscored 9-3 thus far through three regular season games. The poor scoring is even more apparent when looking at just the last two contests. The Panthers were annihilated 5-1 by the New Jersey Devils before being shut out 1-0 on Monday by Ottawa.
If the losses continue to mount, the attendance woes will likely also drag on. Back in September owners Vinnie Viola and Doug Cifu attempted to quiet talk of relocation which is a subject that often revolves around professional sports teams in similar situations.
The Panthers will continue the season on Friday at Buffalo. The next home game for Florida will not come until October 30th against the Arizona Coyotes.
