Expectations. Everyone has them, whether it be because of prior success or because of excessive optimism about the future.
The Florida Panthers had high expectations coming into this season, after a record-breaking season the year before. With a record of 47-26-9 the Panthers won the Atlantic Division with a total of 103 points, during the 2015-16 season. The team would go on to play the New York Islanders, losing in the first round of the playoffs.
After such an incredible season, the expectations were much higher coming into 2016-17. The organization became focused on winning, aiming to bring the Stanley Cup to South Florida.