The Florida Panthers sit at 7-7-1 through their first 15 games of the 2025-26 season, currently positioned seventh in the Atlantic Division. While some observers are hitting the panic button, there's substantial reason to remain confident in the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions. Yes, their record is middling. But context matters significantly when evaluating this team's trajectory and championship pedigree.
A Championship Culture Doesn't Disappear Overnight
Let's establish what the Panthers accomplished last season: they won their second consecutive Stanley Cup, dominating an Oilers team that many considered superior on paper. Florida has now made the Eastern Conference Finals three consecutive years, established a winning culture under captain Aleksander Barkov, and proven

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