Not only are the Florida Panthers clearly the best professional team in South Florida, but ESPN just ranked Florida seventh overall in their "Ultimate Standings 2016."
The factors used in the standings range from bang for the buck, championships won or expected, fan relations, ownership, players, etc.
Other hockey teams in the top 50 include Nashville(6th), Dallas(8th), Pittsburgh(11th), Anaheim(23rd), St. Louis(29th), San Jose(30th), Chicago(35th), Los Angeles(38th), Arizona(41st), and Detroit(44th).
The Panthers are on a meteoric rise after being ranked 102nd out of 122 pro sports teams just two years ago. Winning solves everything, and after the Cats recorded 103 points last season and only their second division title in franchise history, people are taking notice.
In addition to the young core of Sasha Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, and Aaron Ekblad, veterans such as Jaromir Jagr, Keith Yandle, Jussi Jokinen, and Roberto Luongo have created a team and culture that is winning the hearts and minds of South Florida.
Not coincidentally, the Tampa Bay Lightning were ranked number one overall, destroying all ignorant notions that hockey can't exist and thrive in the deep south.
For the first time ever, both teams are expected to be Cup contenders this year and beyond. While Tampa won a Cup and have been perennial contenders for most of the 2000s, Florida has taken the long road by building from within and letting their young talent blossom.
Both teams are built for long-term success, but even the most diehard Florida fans have to be surprised at such a dubious honor in the shadow of recent seasons that were so bleak.
In terms of the standings, Florida jumped 41 spots from last season, with the biggest jumps coming in the categories of coaching and ownership. Add to this the average price of a game is $33 and there is great value being provided in Sunrise.
Every time the Cats travel to Tampa it is clear there is still a long way to go to match the overall experience and passion of those on Florida's west coast. But they have been winning for a longer stretch and now it's time for the Panthers to join the party.
Should these two meet in the playoffs it would be great theater for everyone in the NHL as they experience a rivalry that has been very heated for quite some time. Now both teams are loaded with great talent to make deep playoff runs.
While many hockey traditionalists will throw out anything ESPN has to say about the sport, these standings show what many have known for some time...
...hockey in the Sunshine State is about to be as relevant and competitive as anywhere in North America.
For Florida fans it's been a long time coming, and hopefully all the pain will be worth it in the very near future.
Dan Spiegel...
Florida Panthers Media
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