Tico Rick wrote:Would the outcome have been any different if the Panthers hadn’t had that 10 day layoff? I don’t think so.
I think it might have been a bit closer without that layoff, but a couple of things really hurt them in the finals:
1) Barkov's new nickname might be Casper because he's been a complete ghost.
2) I think the injury to Luostarinen really shook things up and wrecked much of their defensive ability up front.
3) 0-13 on the PP coming into Game 5
4) For as hot as Bob got against Carolina, Adin Hill grabbed that role in the finals
I'm not sure Florida can really do much different heading into next season. I think they got off to a slow start under Maurice and were much more than a last minute wild card spot. Just took them awhile to gel.