NHL wagering online handicappers will have a new look Florida Panthers organization to evaluate heading into the 2010-11 season which comes on the heels of a last place finish. Sbgglobal opened with Florida as a +8500 choice to win the Stanley Cup and a +2600 choice to win the Eastern Conference and they are not getting much action from gamblers making an NHL bet.
Forgotten Franchise?
The Florida Panthers operate in the South Florida Miami area, where the Miami Dolphins of the NFL are always first in the hearts of the citizens and where the NBA Miami Heat are going to be the hottest ticket in the country thanks to LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining Dwyane Wade into making that franchise the most hyped commodity in sports. A last place hockey team in such a market with those circumstances can be easily forgotten and it will take winning to capture the attention of the South Florida media and fans.
New Front Office
While the Heat got all of the love and attention from the Miami media for their roster makeover the Panthers did not stand by and idle either. Florida saw the success of the Chicago Blackhawks and their quick climb into the Stanley Cup championship and went out and hired a man that had a large role in the turnaround of that team. Dale Tallon has arrived and given the franchise a much needed shot in the arm for credibility and purpose.
Stagnant Offense
One of the big NHL bet weaknesses of the Panthers for many years now has been an offense that has been little threat to opponents and a sleep inducer to fans. There are only 3 players on the current Panthers roster who have ever scored 30 goals in a NHL season. Florida finished third to the bottom in the NHL for scoring goals last year and there is nothing on paper that indicates that is going to change until Tallon acquires talent that can light the lamp.
A One Man Team
Goaltender Tomas Vokoun is one of the game’s top netminders and a player that can score a NHL wagering online payout virtually on his own. Due to their weak offense the Panthers have become totally dependent upon Vokoun for their success. Last year Vokoun scored 7 shutouts and posted a .920 save percentage which makes handicappers wonder just how much money this team could generate if it had an offense.