There is absolutely no shame in losing in 7 in double OT to the Devils. They entered the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, and they are always tough playoff competitors. Almost no one gave the Panthers a chance to even compete and yet the series could have gone either way. Also, they won their first division title ever this season, and took a big step in changing the culture around the team. That is HUGE, not only for team confidence and for the fanbase, but it will also go a long way in attracting free agents. Everyone credits Brian Campbell waiving his no trade clause as a turning point last offseason; after that, players saw Florida as a viable option again. Now that they are division champions, it only strengthens that view. Florida is no longer an NHL wasteland.
Any time you bring in that many new faces in the offseason, there will be a growth period. Players need time to learn to play together, and the longer they play together the better they will be. Obviously every team has new players every season, but the Panthers had an incredible number of them. This was an important season and they can build on it next year and the years to come. If they get a reliable goaltender and a real scoring threat, they will be dangerous. Gudbranson was hot and cold this year but he has elite potential and will get better and better in the next few years. The Panthers also have elite prospect John Huberdeau waiting to come up. I think they have a good future ahead of them, and while I like to see them do well, I do not identify myself as a Panthers fan so I am saying this without (too much) bias.
