Training camp opens with high expectations after strong finish
CORAL SPRINGS — After a redhot finish to last season, there was a palpable sense of excitement as the Panthers hit the ice Friday morning.
Yes, the team missed the playoffs by one point — a fact the players are well aware of — but with a talented, young nucleus, they’re eager to carry that momentum into this year.
Opening up training camp at the Coral Springs’ IceDen, all the familiar faces were back from last season’s squad, which tallied 96 points (44-30-8). After a slow start, the Panthers put together a scintillating second half, finishing 25-8-2 for a leaguebest 52 points after the All-Star Break.
“We thought we should have made [the playoffs last year], but that’s in the past and we’re not going to dwell on it,” defenseman Aaron Ekblad said. “We’re going to try and get better as a team and make sure there are no questions out there.”
With the bulk of last year’s contributors returning and coach Bob Boughner entering his second season, the Panthers looked to be a much more cohesive and comfortable unit as they aim to pick up from last year
“I was real happy with Day 1,” Boughner said. “We had some real good meetings before we went on the ice with each group about taking the next step. You could tell being on the ice and running the practice — this time last year there was a lot of stopping on the whistle; a lot of correcting, teaching and a lot of questions.
“This year we ran through practice and guys really knew what they were doing out there and it made for a quicker pace and a better practice.”
Led by explosive forwards Aleksander Barkov (78 points), Vincent Trocheck (75) and Jonathan Huberdeau (69), the Panthers return plenty of firepower from last season.
“We need a good start,” Huberdeau said. “We’re comfortable with each other. We know [Boughner’s’] system. Last year was a little tough with new coaches, but now we know what we can do.”
Florida also picked up some key offseason pieces in forwards Mike Hoffman and Troy Brouwer. A 12-year NHL veteran, Brouwer said he could already feel the enthusiasm surrounding the team after just one day on the ice.
“The buzz and feel around the dressing room and the players — it’s an exciting time for us,” Brouwer said. “We’re looking to build and have a start to this year. That’s a focus going into this year.”