Panthers Mailbag: Markstrom, Tkachuk & The Atlantic Joke | Beatline Panthers

Now, let's get to the mailbag.

Our first question comes from at hockeyfan88 in Tampa.

He writes, Craig and Paige, you guys predicted the Panthers would finish second in the Atlantic Division last week.

With the Hurricanes opening the season against us, isn't that a risky prediction? Shouldn't we be looking at first place?

I appreciate the skepticism at Hockeyfan88.

Let's look at the facts.

We are currently listed as first in the Atlantic Division based on the current standing structure.

But historically, this division is a war zone.

My projection for second place wasn't pessimism.

It was realism about the depth in Boston and Toronto.

However, adding Markstrom changes the ceiling.

He brings veteran stability to the crease that Schmid, talented as he is, hasn't fully proven yet over a full grind.

And don't forget the offensive firepower.

We talked about this yesterday, but having both the Kachuks and Marchand in the mix creates a line matchup nightmare for any opponent.

Even if we slip to second, we are still a top two team in the league.

Exactly.

And regarding the opener against Carolina, yes, it's tough.

But remember, the Hurricanes are raising their banner.

That's a moment for them, but it can also be a distraction for them.

We predicted an overtime win for Florida in that opener.

Why? Because Seth Jones and Aaron Ekblad on the back and can neutralize their rush game if we execute the four check properly.

Next up, we have Sarah from Rochester asking, with all the buzz about Brad Marchand joining Matthew Kachuk, how does his style actually fit with a younger Kachuk? Isn't that just too much chaos on one line?

Sarah, that is the million-dollar question.

Chaos is good when you control it.

Marchand is a grinder and a playmaker.

Now, let's get to the mailbag.

Our first question comes from at hockeyfan88 in Tampa.

He writes, Craig and Paige, you guys predicted the Panthers would finish second in the Atlantic Division last week.

With the Hurricanes opening the season against us, isn't that a risky prediction? Shouldn't we be looking at first place?

I appreciate the skepticism at Hockeyfan88.

Let's look at the facts.

We are currently listed as first in the Atlantic Division based on the current standing structure.

But historically, this division is a war zone.

My projection for second place wasn't pessimism.

It was realism about the depth in Boston and Toronto.

However, adding Markstrom changes the ceiling.

He brings veteran stability to the crease that Schmid, talented as he is, hasn't fully proven yet over a full grind.

And don't forget the offensive firepower.

We talked about this yesterday, but having both the Kachuks and Marchand in the mix creates a line matchup nightmare for any opponent.

Even if we slip to second, we are still a top two team in the league.

Exactly.

And regarding the opener against Carolina, yes, it's tough.

But remember, the Hurricanes are raising their banner.

That's a moment for them, but it can also be a distraction for them.

We predicted an overtime win for Florida in that opener.

Why? Because Seth Jones and Aaron Ekblad on the back and can neutralize their rush game if we execute the four check properly.

Next up, we have Sarah from Rochester asking, with all the buzz about Brad Marchand joining Matthew Kachuk, how does his style actually fit with a younger Kachuk? Isn't that just too much chaos on one line?

Sarah, that is the million-dollar question.

Chaos is good when you control it.

Marchand is a grinder and a playmaker.