Not only did the Florida Panthers win 25 of their final 35 games — tied with the Winnipeg Jets for most wins in the league curing that time — but they became only the second team in NHL history to finish with at least 96 points and not make the playoffs.
The strong finish, plus the team’s skilled young core, has general manager Dale Tallon bullish about the future.
“I like the depth of our team,” Tallon told reporters Tuesday as players cleaned out their lockers at BB&T Center. “I like the depth of our organization. I am especially excited about our future and the players we have coming in the system.