ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
With 2022-2023 NHL season is in full swing, the state of Florida has begun to make a name for itself. Being home to two professional hockey teams, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers (Miami), Florida is finding itself in the top ten of the NHL Power Rankings.
Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning Take Florida by Storm
With Tampa Bay Lightning being a solid team and the Stanley Cup Champions in 2020 and 2021, it is no surprise they linger in the top half of teams every season. However, with the newfound growth from the Panthers, they are new to this list and are looking to stay awhile.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are 13-7-1 on the season so far and bounce between the top five and top ten power rankings for the NHL. The team has an Average Goal Difference of +.35 (10), an XGoal Difference of +.47 (nine) and a Point Percentage of .625 (11).
While the Lightning will have to pick up their momentum if they want to battle their way into the finals – just as in the last two seasons – they are on a strong track to get there with one of the hottest offensive lineups of the season. With Stamkos, Hagel, Kucherov and Sergachev, the lineup is a head-spinner for opponents. The Lightning will play their next game tonight at 7 p.m. against the Boston Bruins Tuesday.
Buck Foston ! https://t.co/GAJF86kaVT
— Lightning Tampa Bay (@BoltsNation) November 29, 2022
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers, based in Miami, are 10-8-3 on the season so far. Fluctuating between the top ten and top fifteen of the NHL Power Rankings, the Panthers sit in a much better spot than last season. With an Average Goal Difference of +.10 (15), an XGoal Difference of +1.14 (one) and a point percentage of .548 (15), it puts the Miami team a little above the middle of the pack for the NHL.
Reinhart and Forsling are significant factors when looking at goals and assists for the Panthers, whereas their weakness could fall into the lap of their goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Their next game will be Tuesday at the Calgary Flames at 9 p.m.
Right back at it.#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/HGbcLo1AcT
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) November 29, 2022
