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NHL Predictions: Atlantic Division 5 Bold Projections

By Ryan Ritchie

Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate a goal by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Lightning defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Newark, NJ, USA; The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrate a goal by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Matt Carle (25) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Lightning defeated the Devils 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 14, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right winger Jaromir Jagr (68) bows his head as the New York Islanders celebrate their 5-4 victory in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right winger Jaromir Jagr (68) bows his head as the New York Islanders celebrate their 5-4 victory in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida Panthers Miss the Playoffs

The Panthers were already preparing themselves for life with Nick Bjugstad for the first month of the season. They suffered a devastating blow on Saturday after Jonathan Huberdeau had to be helped off the ice in their pre-season tilt against the Devils. It was revealed on Sunday that he suffered a partial Achilles tear and will miss roughly three-to-four months.

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Ownership in Florida invested over a quarter-billion dollars ($250 million-plus) this past summer in free agents, extensions, trades, and re-signings. Between two significant injuries and question marks surrounding an aging Roberto Luongo, there are simply too many things that can wrong in 2016-17.

Now, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Florida will have a bad season. Atlantic Division teams are in tough battling against the Metropolitan for playoff spots. In all likelihood, the Atlantic only sees three participants once again in 2017. This leaves the margin of error very low for teams competing for a postseason berth.

We wouldn’t be surprised if one of Boston, Ottawa, Montreal, or Buffalo manage to move up and claim that final spot narrowly beating out the Panthers by a point or two.

It’s that old adage in sports. Sometimes you have to take a step backward in order to take giant leap forwards; so might be the case for the Florida Panthers. They’ve got a year to sort out their goaltending (life after Luongo), while allowing for prospects to blossom, and other players to further develop. By the time 2017-18 rolls around, there’s no doubt that Aaron Ekblad will be challenging for a Norris Trophy (if he’s not already doing so this year).

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