2006 Florida Panthers Preview

2006 Florida Panthers Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Florida Panthers Hockey Season Preview

Florida did not qualify for the playoffs last season but improvements on offense may just be the ticket this team needs. Todd Bertuzzi (25 G, 46 A, 71 Pts) was acquired from Vancouver in a trade for goaltender extraordinaire Roberto Luongo. Bertuzzi brings more baggage with him than a skycap at La Guardia Airport, but he’s a big man on the blue line and if he can play with passion could make a huge difference.

European free agent winger Ville Peltronen (39 GP, 22 G, 25 A) is a solid playmaker who should work nicely with winger Jozef Stumpel (15 G, 37 A, 52 Pts). And star center Olli Jokinen (38 G, 51 A, 89 Pts), who just signed a long term deal with the club, is one of the hardest workers on the ice and a fine team leader. This squad is a big improvement over last years, which placed 21st in offense and 24th on the power play.

Jay Bouwmeester (5 G, 41 A, 46 Pts) broke out last season, earning a top 20 ranking on defense. He’s a young workhorse with smooth skating skills. Although not bad last year (they were ranked 16th and 14th on the penalty kill), the Panther defense needs to play more consistently.

Along with Bertuzzi, the Panthers got goalie Alexander Auld (67 GP, 33 W, 26 L, 6 OT, 2.94 GAA, .902 SP) from the Canucks. The solid Auld, 25 years old, will replace Luongo and stands to make a major impact. Florida also signed 41 year-old Ed Belfour (49 GP, 22 W, 22 L, 4 OT, 3.29 GAA, .892 SP). Belfour could be a fine backup and stabilizing force for Auld, who becomes a starter for the first time.

Despite the fact that the defense lacks a big man, there have been enough improvements to make this team a contender. The playoffs are in sight if Auld and Bertuzzi can come through and the young players can continue improving.

For more information on the 2006 Florida Hockey Club check out the Panthers team website.