The Florida Panthers
Wins: 51 (Franchise Record)
Losses: 31
Points: 110 (Franchise Record)
Conference Wins: 24
Home Wins: 18
Road Wins: 33 (CPHL Record)
The Florida Panthers, managed by GM Dave Penney, had a very good season by most standards. Although the Panthers fell short of the ultimate goal, they have taken gigantic strides to become one of the better teams in the CPHL. Where this franchise is going is anyone’s guess. There has even been mention that GM Penney might actually step down, saying goodbye to the CPHL and all the friends (and enemies) it has brought him. But as of right now, GM Penney has not made it clear exactly what his intentions are.
2005-06 started off with a bang for the Panthers as they managed to climb to the top of the CPHL standings and stay there for a few weeks. The Panthers went 9-2 in their first 11 and one of those loses came in overtime against the Blue Jackets. This catapulted the Panthers to the top and it let the CPHL know that the Panthers were not going to be a pushover during the season. For the rest of the season, the Panthers stayed close to the top of the CPHL, never falling down past 5th place overall. The season was a success by most standards as Penney brought the Panthers from 23rd overall all the way to 5th in just one year. It took a lot of work and a ton of trading but it paid off. GM Penney quickly got the reputation of being the most active GM in the entire league and in his press conference; he wanted to make it very clear that even the worst teams can be turned completely around with just a little hard work:
“The Panthers were nothing to be desired when I first took them over” said Penney. “We were very grateful that GM Sylvanfan left some trading assets or it would have been he much harder to build team as we wanted too”.
The Panthers and GM Penney went through the “rebuilding” stage and looking back on it he realizes that would have been a waste of time.
“It is great if a team wants to rebuild but they better be prepared to stick with it through the long haul, otherwise a GM might as well go for it with what they have. It will take at least two or three years for the prospects to have ratings good enough to make a difference. Take the Bruins for example: they are a very successful tam winning 2 Stanley Cups. Their prospect base is embarrassing however they haven’t needed them to win and winning is what this is all about”.
According to “
2006 Future Watch” by Grant Farhall, the Panthers sit at 24th, which was a pleasant surprise. Some key UFA signings and smart drafting have helped give the Panthers some good prospects which will ultimately make good trading assets. Look for the Panthers to use these to help bolster their lineup for the 2006-07 season.
Team Awards:
The Florida Panthers only give out one award each year. It goes to the player who made a huge contribution to the panther’s organization and gave it his all every single night.
This year’s recipient of the “
Dino Ciccarelli 100% Heart” Award goes to:
MIKE MODANO
Mike Modano set a CPHL record when he had a point in 17 consecutive games. This record could have very well continued however he did it at the very end of the season. The Florida Panthers would like to congratulate Mike Modano on his accomplishment.
What does the future hold for GM Penney and the Panthers organization? It is hard to say at this point. Penney is currently weighing all of his options. He will make statement during his next press conference what his decision will be regarding his future in the CPHL.
“It was a great year and we had a good run. With a little tweaking this team can go all the way. Congratulations to the Thrashers and the Wild for making it to the Stanley Cup finals. We wish both teams the very best.”
Dave Penney – General Manager of the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers Wrap Up
