Florida Panthers Up (2-0) In The NHL “Semis”

The defending Stanley Cup champion (also decent sized, plurality “faves” to repeat as such), Florida Panthers, again eased on the road (4 straight dominant road wins) handing the Carolina Hurricanes an incredible 14th straight semi-final round game loss, winning (5-0) in game 2 last night.

A week ago tonight, the Panthers lost game 6 at home to Toronto (Maple Leafs) but since won easily in the decisive 7th game of the “quarters,” at Toronto and by (5-2) and (5-0) scores in the first two tilts at Carolina in the “semis.”

Florida is now a big favorite to advance to a third straight NHL final, which would make it 6 straight final round appearances for the two Florida NHL teams, the other being the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Once it was hockey in Florida?!! — however thanks to people like the great player, Phil Esposito and his constant promoting the sport, with Tampa Bay, (look at the success and for the record the incredibly subjective Lightning commentator “Espo,” ended the Lightning’s past season broadcasts, wishing Florida well, saying he hopes the Cup/NHL Title stays in Florida.

While hockey in Carolina, Raleigh specifically, has been a success, highlighted by a title in ’06 and continued good play (once the Hurricanes nee Hartford Whalers were (1-10) in ‘offs series and they entered this semi (19-18)– but their record in semi-final round play is alarmingly bad.

They have lost an above referenced 14 straight such tilts, 6 to Florida. In ’23 when Florida swept “Caro,” before being 5’d by Las Vegas (Golden Knights) in the final round, Carolina played well, losing 4 straight but each one by one goal (I believe 2 in overtime and another in the last minute of regulation time play).

That is not the situation so far this season, however, I predict unlike ’09 when the Pittsburgh Penguins swept Carolina in the “semis,” before 7 ing defending champion Detroit (Red Wings) to title and ’19 when Boston (Bruins) (4-0’d) them before St. Louis (Blues) 7’d them for their lone crown, that Carolina will not be swept, as they will win at least, probably only one game at Florida, likely if it happens, the next one.

However, it is very likely the Panthers will again be NHL finalists and do not look now, but it could very well be great friends, coaches Paul Maurice of Florida and Peter DeBoer of Dallas (they, the Stars doubled Edmonton (Oilers) (6-3) in a home semis opener) meeting in the final round.

Phil Esposito, pictured above.