Panther Pourri: A Florida Hockey Now Podcast

Multiple comebacks, a goalie change, late drama, overtime... what didn't Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final have? Oh right. It didn't have happy Panthers fans at the end of it. Jacob and TJ talk about how the Panthers let a 3-0 lead slip away and failed to take a chokehold on the series, but also why there is still plenty of reason for optimism. Once again, we'd like to thank Netflix, Map360 Collective, and the Happy Gilmore 2 marketing team for sending us to the game!

Emotions ran high as the Florida Panthers took their first series lead of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final by way of a 6-1 thrashing over the Edmonton Oilers, but that's hardly the story compared to the 140 minutes of penalties called. Who was dirty and who was physical? Who was a sore loser and who was getting their pound of flesh? Is this what we can expect for the rest of the series? Huge thanks to Netflix, Map360 Collective, and the Happy Gilmore 2 marketing team for treating us to a magnificent game!

Stop me if you've heard this one before: the Panthers had a lead in the third period of the game in the Stanley Cup Final, but the Oilers tied it and the game went to overtime. Except this time it went to double overtime and the Panthers won to tie the series and head home to Sunrise. Jacob, Alex, and TJ discuss why the Oilers are giving the Panthers so much trouble, give their Conn Smythe updates, and defend Sam Bennett's innocence.

The Florida Panthers fall 4-3 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers in game one of the Stanley Cup Final. What went wrong? Was it Bob's fault? Was Edmonton's top-end talent just too much to handle? Should you worry yet?

The rematch is ON. It's the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers for the grand prize once again. What has changed since last year? What are each team's keys to the series? What will it take for the Florida Panthers to earn the title of "dynasty"?

In a forgettable game 4, the Panthers lay a goose egg, leave behind their chance to sweep the Hurricanes, and head back to Carolina for game 5.

Alex & TJ are on this episode to break it down.

The Florida Panthers are one win away from a third straight appearance in the Stanley Cup final. Carolina is one loss away from a fourth straight conference final without a single win. Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist are the golden children. Eetu Luostarinen is a goon. Alex & TJ discuss these and many more on WHEEL! OF! FORTUNE!!!

The Florida Panthers continue their very strong performance away from home, shutting out the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Final. Jacob, Alex, and TJ break down the commanding win and give their thoughts on how the rest of the series will go. TJ and Alex also discuss the dramatic NBA Eastern Conference Final. Alex asks Jacob for a controversial favor.

Roy Bellamy joins Jacob, Alex, and TJ to break down the Panthers' 5-2 win in game one of the Eastern Conference Final while still somehow lamenting that the Panthers can still play better. The boys praise NHL postseason (5-on-5) scoring leader Eetu Luostarinen.

The Florida Panthers have defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in 7 games and will play in the Eastern Conference Final for the third straight year. Jacob, TJ, and Alex celebrate Brad Marchand, Seth Jones, Eetu Luostarinen, and all the things that led to the Panthers' win. On the other side, the Carolina Hurricanes await and the boys discuss the opposing players to look out for, differences in playstyles, what might be different from 2023, and series predictions.

The Florida Panthers are headed back to Toronto for a winner-take-all game 7 against the Maple Leafs. Jacob, Alex, and TJ break down what went wrong for the Florida Panthers in game 6 (spoiler alert: everything) and what the Panthers need to improve upon in order to keep their season alive (spoiler alert: everything).

That's a-paddling. The Panthers humiliate the Leafs on their home ice to take a 3-2 series lead. How did it happen? What did it mean? Why are the Leafs fans the way they are?

Alex is joined by the returning TJ to discuss a dominant 2-0 win that should have been much more lobsided if not for Joe Woll.

Alex Baumgartner (Five Reasons Sports) joins Jacob, Alex, and TJ to discuss Matthew Tkachuk's return to the Panthers' lineup (and the rest of the first game of round one).  Alex has issues an issue with an official.  Jacob gives TJ credit for being right about everything.

Jacob, TJ, and Alex preview the Florida Panthers' first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.  The boys discuss analytical comparisons, what each team needs to do to win, and any overall thoughts about the upcoming postseason.

Playoffs are right around the corner, so how did the Panthers fare?  Will their load management pay off?  Who has the best path to a Cinderella Story?  Find out on this episode of Panther Pourri!

Jacob, Alex, and TJ are back to discuss the Panthers' (overdue) clinching scenarios.  Jacob has some help dealing with the Panthers' recent record.  Alex doesn't know how to spell Jaycob Megna's name.  The boys lay Joann's to rest.

The Florida Panthers are haven't lost a single game this season (in the shootout).  Jacob and TJ discuss the Panthers' position heading into the last few weeks of the season, if Seth Jones can be a top-pairing defenseman on a championship team, and Marchand's impending return to the ice.  Jacob leaves room for error.  The boys get angry at each other.

Hold onto your hats, folks, it might be a bumpy ride to the finish.  Jacob and TJ discuss the Panthers' play since Aaron Ekblad's 20-game suspension.  Jacob hogs the mic.  TJ wants to watch basketball.

Roy Bellamy joins Jacob, TJ, and Alex to talk about Aaron Ekblad's suspension, the Panthers' play since the Four Nations, and old fantasy football promos.  TJ has a great memory.  Jacob and Alex have a misunderstanding.

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Former YouTube exclusive! The Florida Panthers have acquired right-handed defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2026 (or 2027) first-round pick, as well as Spencer Knight.

What do we think of the move? Listen and learn...

It's Sam's Club vs. the Bash Brothers as Team USA hosts Team Canada in the Four Nations Finals.  How did we get here?  What happens next?  Elsewhere, Seth Jones has reportedly requested a trade and the boys give their thoughts on the Lively-Baldoni situation.

WE'RE BACK!  The Four Nations Face-Off is officially on (and they won't stop telling us).  Jacob, Alex, and TJ talk about (how fun) the first two games (are) and look ahead to the rest of the Round Robin.  TJ gets hungry for middle-six wingers.  Alex mentions an old friend.

Despite a seemingly rough January, the Florida Panthers end the month on top of the Atlantic.  Jacob, TJ, and Alex talk about the numbers behind the first month of 2025, some names to keep an eye on going forward, and some Four Nations Face-Off.

Did you know that Sasha Barkov was allowed to go forehand in the shootout?  Jacob, TJ, and Alex discuss a tough run of games, Spencer Knight's strong recent performances, and some questionable officiating (now that Alex is out of the hospital).  The boys open up the mailbag to answer questions about the scoring slump, Spencer starting, and potential returns for a theoretical Sam Bennett trade.

We have activated Alex Lopez (upper body) from LTIR.  Jacob, TJ, and Alex discuss the Panthers' recent scoring slump and whether or not it's time to worry (spoiler alert: it's not).  The boys go over some preliminary trade deadline targets and give their thoughts on the Panthers' Quarter-Century team.

Happy holidays!  Jacob, TJ, and Alex fawn over Sam Reinhart (again).  What concerns remain for the Panthers as we approach the halfway point of the season?  How should the Panthers approach the expiring contracts of Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad?  What is wrong with hockey in the entire state of New York?

The Florida Panthers (and more specifically Matthew Tkachuk) are BACK.  Jacob and TJ discuss a very strong recovery from the November skid, the resurgence of the Rat King, and some impressive performances from Mackie Samoskevich.  Around the league, the Sharks are having fun!  The Sabres... aren't.

USA.  Canada.  Sweden.  Finland.  Long ago, the Four Nations lived in harmony.  Then everything changed when the tournament rosters were announced.  Jacob, Alex, and TJ are back to discuss the highs, lows, and surprises of the freshly released Four Nations Face-Off rosters.  Alex gives his take on Spencer Knight's recent performances.

Jacob and TJ discuss a few recent losses (and why they shouldn't concern you), the Eastern Conference playoff picture (no, seriously), and what is happening to the Boston Bruins.

Jacob, Alex, and TJ recap a wildly successful Finland trip, the Panthers' defense, and Sam Reinhart's incredible start to the season.

The captain is back!  Jacob, Alex, and TJ discuss the New York road trip, Aleksander Barkov's triumphant return, and some fun facts about Finnish NHL players.

They lost 5-1 but it's October...

Jacob, Alex, and TJ discuss the polar performances of Spencer Knight, the Panthers' ownership of the Boston Bruins, the fruitful reunion of Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell, and the very touching tribute to the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The season has begun, the banner has been raised, and Carter Verhaeghe signed an 8-year extension.  Jacob, TJ, and Alex discuss a very eventful night surrounding the Panthers' 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins to open up their Stanley Cup reign.

Jacob and TJ are back to predict the Atlantic Division standings for the 2024-25 season and discuss who else around the league might still be playing hockey in late April (spoiler: Ottawa won't be there)

The Stanley Cup Defense season starts NOW!  Jacob, TJ, and Alex tell (some of) their Stanley Cup sighting stories from the summer, argue about real estate terminology, touch on the 2024 Prospect Showcase, and pay their respects to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Free agency has begun!  Jacob, TJ, and Alex discuss the first crop of the Florida Panthers' UFA signings and what holes still need to be filled.  Jacob has a theory about Bill Zito's scouting strategy.  The boys also take a quick look at some notable signings around the league and TJ and Jacob forget the same player's name mere moments apart.

WE DID IT!

The Florida Panthers for the first time EVER are Stanley Cup champions!

Alex, Jacob, and TJ are together at last to discuss the epic, dramatic, heart-stopping, anxiety-producing, mind-melting, unbelievably dramatic spectacle that was game 7.