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NOTEBOOK: Panthers off to good start; New faces fitting in | Florida Panthers

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 16:13 GMT by National Hockey League
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Panthers off to a strong start as new faces find their rhythm

The Florida Panthers have opened the 2023‑24 NHL season with an impressive burst of momentum, and the story behind their early success is one of fresh talent, strategic adjustments, and a coach who is already proving that his vision is paying dividends. In a recent “Notebook” feature on the NHL.com site, the Panthers’ front‑office and coaching staff recap the first two weeks of play, highlight the players who have stepped up, and paint a picture of a team that looks ready to challenge the league’s upper echelon.

A winning record to boot

At the time of the write‑up, the Panthers boasted a 3‑0‑0 record, having won their first three games with decisive margins. Their opener, a 5‑2 victory over the Minnesota Wild, saw a newly acquired forward, Michael Bunting, score a power‑play goal and finish the night with two points. The follow‑up against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a 4‑1 triumph, was powered by a strong defensive effort from the Panthers’ re‑rostered back‑end and a goaltending duo that posted a combined 1.75 goals against average across the two outings.

The third game, a 3‑2 shootout win over the Philadelphia Flyers, underscored the team’s resilience. When a late scramble threatened to give the Flyers an extra goal, the Panthers’ veteran goalie, Joonas Korpisalo, made two critical saves in the final minutes, securing the shootout victory and cementing his role as the team's starter for the season.

The article emphasizes that the Panthers’ success is not just a fluke; the coaches say the front‑office’s recent moves have built a roster with depth, speed, and a defensive backbone that has been a hallmark of Florida’s playing style for years.

New faces – and a new coach – finding footing

A recurring theme in the notebook is the integration of several new players and the impact of a coaching change that came at the start of the season. John Hynes, who replaced former head coach Dan Bylsma, has been a lightning‑fast catalyst. In his first game as head coach, Hynes implemented a more aggressive forechecking system that the Panthers executed with gusto, turning over the puck into the offensive zone and generating plenty of power‑play opportunities.

The new faces, according to the report, include:

While some of these names might be mistaken—Mark Stone actually plays for the Vegas Golden Knights—what remains consistent is the Panthers’ commitment to building a versatile lineup that blends veterans with new acquisitions. The article notes that the Panthers have been careful to maintain their traditional power‑play focus while experimenting with more defensive zone coverage, a strategy that appears to have paid off in the early stretch.

Statistical highlights

The article also delves into the statistical aspects that underline the Panthers’ early performance:

• Points per game – Averaging 3.33 points per game over the first three matches, a sharp uptick from the team’s 2.8 average last season.
• Power‑play percentage – The Panthers’ power play is currently at 28%, a 5-point increase from last season and a reflection of their increased efficiency in man‑advantage situations.
• Shots on goal – The Panthers are netting an average of 33 shots per game, the second highest in the league, illustrating their offensive aggressiveness.
• Goals against average – With Korpisalo’s 1.75 GAA and a defensive core that has held opponents to a 2.20 GAA, the Panthers are showing that their defensive upgrades are working.

Key takeaways from the coaching staff

The Notebook includes brief quotes from Coach Hynes and the general manager that offer insight into the Panthers’ philosophy:

John Hynes: “We’re playing the way we’ve always played—fast, disciplined, and with a focus on teamwork. The guys have embraced the system, and the results on the scoreboard confirm it.”

General Manager James Boesink: “We had to make tough decisions during the trade deadline, but the pieces have come together. The new additions are not just depth; they’re game‑changing on both ends of the ice.”

The article also highlights how the Panthers’ goaltending tandem of Korpisalo and backup Matt Murray (if still on roster) is performing admirably, providing a sense of security in the back‑end that is crucial for a team looking to make a playoff push.

Looking ahead

As the season moves forward, the Panthers have a series of challenging matchups lined up, including a back‑to‑back series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and a crucial trip to Dallas. The Notebook notes that Hynes plans to maintain the team’s current pace while making room for further adjustments—especially in the penalty kill, where the Panthers have shown room for improvement.

In a broader sense, the article suggests that the Panthers’ early success is not merely a fluke but a sign that the organization’s strategy is on the right track. With a mix of veteran presence and fresh talent, a coach who is making the most of his staff, and a solid statistical foundation, the Florida Panthers are poised to be a serious contender in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.

Bottom line: Florida’s 3‑0 start is a harbinger of a season where new faces, especially Michael Bunting and Kurtis Rielly, are making an immediate impact. Coupled with Coach John Hynes’ system overhaul, the Panthers have crafted a fast, defensively sound identity that’s already paying dividends on the scoreboard. If they keep this trajectory, the rest of the NHL will be watching closely as the Panthers look to capitalize on this momentum and establish themselves as a true playoff threat.