2024-25 Avalanche Season Preview: Atlantic Division

Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty ImagesColorado Avalanche vs. Florida Panthers

The last time the Avs and Panthers faced off, it was a bloodbath. The Panthers pounced on a Colorado team in the middle of a winless streak last February, winning 4-0 in South Florida.

Of course, Florida went on to win its first Stanley Cup in franchise history in seven games over the Edmonton Oilers. Looking at a cup defense for the first time ever, the Panthers will do so without Kyle Okposo, who announced his retirement.

They also lost Ryan Lomberg, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Brandon Montour. But, they managed to sign Sam Reinhart long-term to an eight-year deal. With all the changes and coming off of a cup high,…