Saw a study ranking all 32 teams by total hits and total fights, averaged into one number. We came in 3rd at an average rank of 6, behind only Boston and Philly.

So the back-to-back champs played exactly like back-to-back champs are supposed to play, physically, and then missed the postseason entirely in an injury-wrecked year. That's the whole season in one line.

I don't think the identity is broken. When healthy this is still the most miserable team in the league to play sixty minutes against, and the numbers say we kept playing that way even as the roster got shredded. You don't finish 3rd in hits and fights by mailing it in.

But the rest of it is a gut punch. Four of the nine most physical teams missed the playoffs and we were one of them. Carolina won the Cup ranked 27th out of 32 in aggression. Colorado ranked dead last and made the conference final.

Get healthy and this is a non-story next year. Get healthy.

2. Simas Ignatavicius, RW

Oct. 22, 2007 | 6-foot-3 | 198 pounds | Shoots right

Drafted: No. 40 in 2026
Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average

Analysis: A U.S.-born player of Lithuanian descent who has played for their senior national team and at the pro level in Switzerland, Ignatavicius is a legit NHL prospect. He’s a tall, fast winger with very good hands who projects to play and create chances at an NHL pace. His vision is fine, and he’s not overly physical. His compete level is a minor issue on his projection, but the toolkit is so good that he could still be a middle-six winger.

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It could be to the positive or the negative, signifying a period of success or the start of a downfall.

If any of yall are trying to feel something

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to drop a quick connection post for the UK/British Panthers contingent in here.

Following Florida from across the Atlantic has been an absolute blast recently, but it definitely comes with a unique routine:

Staying up for those 12:00 AM midnight puck drops at Amerant Bank Arena (and surviving on coffee at work the next day).

Trying to find legit Panthers gear and championship merch in the UK without getting killed by international shipping and import fees.

Navigating local streaming options to catch game broadcasts live.

To make late-night game threads easier and give UK-based hockey fans a hub for broadcast setups, matinee games, and general chat, we’ve put together r/nhluk!

If you're a UK-based Panthers fan, drop by, grab your Florida flair, and say hello! 🏒🇬🇧

This guy is a fan of all the teams from South Florida (sorry about the Dolphins and Marlins). Love that the Panthers sent him an awesome gift box (an autographed Swaggy jersey is phenomenal)! Hope to see him at the home opener in October.

So it seems like the main reason why we lost Bob was the lack of full NMC