Something very weird is happening in the league and were not talking about former bunching bags Blackhawks, Ducks or Canes winning were talking about Panthers new approach to the game. While the league chances it's rules to get more scoring the Panthers highest scoring team in the league by a mile last season have gone of the defense. Panthers lost key offensive tools in the off season when Peter Forsberg walked and they were forced to deal Doug Weight.
Panthers GM and coach looked at there team and decided to do just the opposite of what everyone else did in the league the Panthers kept there deep defense together rather than move a dman or two for offensive help, kept all-time winningest goalie in OTHL Roberto Luongo and there off-season signings have been more than solid as Ray Whitney has been among the teams best offensive weapons and Jason Woolley has blown away everyone with his Norris-type season (4th in Norris voting) and while the league scoring is clearly up the Panthers are one of the worst scoring team in the league with only 80 goals in 30 games. It doesnt seem to bother Panthers as they have only given up 50 goals in 30 games.
Although it's clear if the Panthers want to survive they'll need to get there big guns going. Panthers have 8 ties which is unacceptable with the game breakers they have on there team. Rick Nash only has 5 goals in 30 games and Nash, Thornton and Iginla compined have as many goals as Mogilny and Cajanek combined.
Forward Moves To Come?
Panthers could be looking to make some moves up front unless there scoring dont improve. Reportable Panthers GM was quoted of saying "Iginla aint available. Were working hard to sign a long term contract. We want Iginla to stay here. He's a major part of our team". What we might see is Panthers move Rick Nash for another star.