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Bryan Hayes names 2023-24 President Trophy winners as Florida Panthers' biggest threat in the East
Bryan Hayes, host of "OverDrive," talked about the NHL's biggest threat to the Florida Panthers. He named the New York Rangers as the top rival in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers won the 2023-24 Presidents’ Trophy with a record of 55 wins and 114 points. It was their fourth time winning the trophy, with previous wins in 1991-92, 1993-94 and 2014-15.
Hayes compared the situation to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, saying the Florida Panthers might face challenges from within. He pointed out that injuries or complacency could be issues for the Panthers. He also noted that the Rangers are a serious threat.
"I think it's a lot like the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, where I'd argue it's themselves. I think it's the Florida Panthers themselves. Do they run into injuries? Do they get complacent? But pushing Florida aside and talking about who's going to challenge them, I'll go with the team they met in the Eastern final, and that would be the New York Rangers," Hayes said via (TSN).
The Rangers, who played the Panthers in the Eastern Conference final, have experienced veterans and promising young players. With stars like Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, and rising talents like Filip Chytil, their lineup is strong. Their defense is solid, and Igor Shesterkin is one of the top goaltenders in the league.
Peter Laviolette, the Rangers' head coach, is an important factor, too. Hayes mentioned Laviolette’s experience, including a Stanley Cup win and several Cup appearances.
"I'm also a big fan of Peter Laviolette, the head coach. His cup experience, he's won one, he's been to multiple cups. I think Florida is still the clear-cut favorite. Very difficult to go to three straight Cup finals, although Tampa just did it a couple of years ago," Hayes added.
Hayes thinks the Florida Panthers are still the favorites but sees the Rangers as a strong challenger due to their level of performance and depth.
Patric Hornqvist reflects on Stanley Cup wins and his role as Florida Panthers scout
Hornqvist, who helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, saw the Cup journey from a new angle as a Florida Panthers scout. He scored key goals in those Penguins wins, including a game-sealing empty-netter in 2016 and a game-winner in 2017.
In 2023, as the Panthers reached the Cup Final, Hornqvist, who had retired due to concussions, was part of the management team. Although he didn’t get to lift the Cup with the Panthers, he valued the experience.
“On the ice, you can control what happens,” Hornqvist said (via NHL.com)." I scored the game-winning goal in one of the finals with Pittsburgh, and you can't compare that to what it's like to win from the stands. But still, both as a player and as a leader, the Stanley Cup is the finest prize you can win in hockey.”
Hornqvist also shared how seeing the players' joy from a new perspective has given him a unique view on winning championships.
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