Team Preview: Florida Panthers

2010-2011: 72 points, 15th in Eastern Conference
Key additions: F Tomas Fleischmann, D Brian Campbell, RW Tomas Kopecky, LW Kris Versteeg, RW Scottie Upshall, G Jose Theodore, LW Tim Kennedy, RW Jack Skille
Key departures: G Tomas Vokoun, F Marty Reasoner, LW Niclas Bergfors

Kevin Dineen will shoulder a lot of pressure in FLA.

Why they'll contend: GM Dale Tallon dragged the Panthers through a complete makeover throughout the summer, adding several key pieces while he brought the Panthers over the salary cap floor. The addition of Brian Campbell on defense immediately gave the Panthers credibility. Thereafter Tallon added a handful of forwards which immediately turn the Panthers from cellar-dwellers to playoff contenders. The Panthers will score far more goals than in the past and will play an up-tempo style under new coach Kevin Dineen. Dineen was successful in the AHL for the Portland Pirates since the 2005-2006 season and developed a handful of top-notch prospects, including Sabres forward Nathan Gerbe and Ducks forwards Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry. The Panthers are a completely different team than last season, and after missing the playoffs for over a decade it couldn't come at a better time. At the very least the Panthers have conjured up some relevance, something they have been lacking since Pavel Bure departed in the early 2000s. It will be an interesting season in Sunrise this year, but undoubtedly a more successful one than in years past.

Why they'll falter: The Panthers new faces could mean problems with chemistry from the outset. Kevin Dineen will likely take a few bumps and bruises as he adjusts to coaching in the NHL, though it shouldn't be much of a problem. A good start is key to the Panthers as they adjust to playing with each other over the first month or two. Goaltending could be a major problem as well. Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen are excellent back-ups, but the fact is one of them needs to step up and be a starter this year. Clemmensen, save a two month span where he played in Marty Brodeur's absence, has never been a starter, and Theodore is nothing of his 2002 Vezina-winning form. Defensively the Panthers are improved, but it may not be enough in what looks to be a competitive Southeast Division. When the dust settles, all eyes will be on the crease as the Panthers look to return to the post-season.

2012 prediction: 9th in the Eastern Conference
Leading scorer: Kris Versteeg, 23 goals & 60 points
Bold prediction: Kevin Dineen will win the Jack Adams award.

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