2014-15 Official Rant Thread

[CoolburnIsGone]

that is the one thing that has me worried. looking at the previously released data from the Arena during the 1/2 lost season--the arena made more money off of non hockey events.

But Viola and Co is working with the county to get a better working relationship and this year is being used as a gauge to see what is what with the team

I think thats what the county is realizing too...that the arena "COULD" be profitable without the Panthers there.

With the vote on the requested money by Viola & co. now delayed until at least May (according to that article...unfortunately you have to be a subscriber to read online), it presents a very awkward situation for this season. The county is going to see record low attendance all season and thats going to be factored in to their decision. Several new commissioners are expected to be voted in next month so they may not be open to voting for the Panthers (most expect that they will not).

For subscribers, the link to that article is: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...a-panthers-broward-update-20141010-story.html

I think one thing that VV and Cifu were betting on with the Panthers was the casino.

If they can get that, then I think the Panthers stay. If the county says no to that, the Panthers losses will be too much for the Owners to bear.

Since Yormark got that deal started, the casino was probably the only chance for the team to stay IMO. Just an FYI, the county aren't really the ones that say yes or no on the casino. In fact, the county commission is waiting for the State gov't to vote on that which wont happen until early 2015 to then vote on the money requested by Viola & Cifu (supposedly not until May).

 

[floridada]

I'm not worried because people aren't coming to games, I'm worried because the new owner seems to be making absolutely no effort at attracting fans.

This is what worries me too.

 

[Jumptheshark]

just to let you Florida fans you know---most Canadian media is picking up on the fact that Florida has cut back on freebees to get a base line to grow from

 

[IM Clutcm]

This might be the lowest I've ever felt as a sports fan. I'm so tired of getting beaten down by other fans, by the team on the ice, and by the media. It's too bad sports fans can't act civil and support each other, regardless of the team that they cheer for.

 

[EnforceTheLaus]

This might be the lowest I've ever felt as a sports fan. I'm so tired of getting beaten down by other fans, by the team on the ice, and by the media. It's too bad sports fans can't act civil and support each other, regardless of the team that they cheer for.

Have to agree completely. No fun right now as a Panther fan.

 

[Mogo]

Tallon always yaps about character. This team has zero character.

 

[Android 16]

Tallon always yaps about character. This team has zero character.

No, the team has plenty of character. That's not the problem.

The problem is on-ice skills and speed. No killer instinct. Little to zero offensive creativity. No flow. No cohesiveness. No execution. No speed up the middle. That's what I'm seeing on the ice constantly. Night and night out stemming back to last year. Granted there were more spurts of the aforementioned things last year. For whatever reason, I have yet to see any of those things. Plus, coach Gallant's straight lines aren't helping things either. He is destroying any chances at creating offense. We don't have enough speed on the team to play straight lines. It worked for Montreal because they had speed at every position on the ice. We don't really. Gallant's coaching style is basically a recipe for disaster and you're seeing the results right away. Too bad he can't admit that he's wrong and find a different approach to coach the team. And who could blame him? He barely knows his team. How could he possible know the minute details of his team when he didn't even know the lineup until pretty much the start of camp. Admit you are wrong and change the philosophy up to enhance the strengths of this team.

 

[Panteras]

This might be the lowest I've ever felt as a sports fan. I'm so tired of getting beaten down by other fans, by the team on the ice, and by the media. It's too bad sports fans can't act civil and support each other, regardless of the team that they cheer for.

I think when it comes to hockey it's a bit different. I mean in the eyes of the world heat/Marlins/Dolphins/panthers are "Miami" teams and we are seen as a terrible sports city. But hockey has a more insular view from its fans and media. We'll get hated on regardless because we are a hockey team in the Everglades. But yeah all of that wouldn't even be affecting us if we weren't the worst franchise in major American sports for 20 years. I'm also tired and just gutted. I'm depressed as a sports fan. My favorite teams of my 2 fav sports are just absolutely horrible.

 

[MillarWithASave]

This is what worries me too.

While this worries me too, they have only been the owners for a little less than a year and barely even a full season yet. It takes time to fully develop a great environment for people to be in, they may seem a little lazy at first but you have to remember these guys have a reason to give us a good product and a good atmosphere. I think things will become better as time goes on.

Quick question though, if the Panthers figured that the BB&T wasn't working could they just switch over to the AAA? Or is it a lot more complicated than that?

 

[Gizmo Tkachuk]

I think when it comes to hockey it's a bit different. I mean in the eyes of the world heat/Marlins/Dolphins/panthers are "Miami" teams and we are seen as a terrible sports city. But hockey has a more insular view from its fans and media. We'll get hated on regardless because we are a hockey team in the Everglades. But yeah all of that wouldn't even be affecting us if we weren't the worst franchise in major American sports for 20 years. I'm also tired and just gutted. I'm depressed as a sports fan. My favorite teams of my 2 fav sports are just absolutely horrible.

At least the Marlins improved this past season by 15 wins and has an MVP quality player (for now).

There hasn't been any light at the end of the Panther tunnel in years. And the threat of relocation is looming larger than ever before.

 

[Gizmo Tkachuk]

While this worries me too, they have only been the owners for a little less than a year and barely even a full season yet. It takes time to fully develop a great environment for people to be in, they may seem a little lazy at first but you have to remember these guys have a reason to give us a good product and a good atmosphere. I think things will become better as time goes on.

Quick question though, if the Panthers figured that the BB&T wasn't working could they just switch over to the AAA? Or is it a lot more complicated than that?

Breaking the lease might become an issue, who knows really.

One thing that always sticks out to me is that the area around BB&T has no nightlife, heck, no life at all. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's no bars or clubs to go after a game and nothing that entices people to come out and spend a night enjoying hockey and more afterwards. A Casino would certainly help, but who knows if that will ever become a thing.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

While this worries me too, they have only been the owners for a little less than a year and barely even a full season yet. It takes time to fully develop a great environment for people to be in, they may seem a little lazy at first but you have to remember these guys have a reason to give us a good product and a good atmosphere. I think things will become better as time goes on.

Quick question though, if the Panthers figured that the BB&T wasn't working could they just switch over to the AAA? Or is it a lot more complicated than that?

They could but requires breaking the lease which would have to be agreed to by both parties (the county and the team). The county would expect to get at least some money to break the lease when there is still about $250 million to repay for the construction of the arena. I would expect them to ask for at least 50% of that amount to break the lease.

Breaking the lease might become an issue, who knows really.

One thing that always sticks out to me is that the area around BB&T has no nightlife, heck, no life at all. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's no bars or clubs to go after a game and nothing that entices people to come out and spend a night enjoying hockey and more afterwards. A Casino would certainly help, but who knows if that will ever become a thing.

Not really much nightlife beyond a few restaurants across the street at/around Sawgrass Mills mall. Definitely not something that draws drunken hockey fans after a game, which I believe is what you're referring to. The casino vote won't happen until next year in the state gov't so even if they get that, it will most likely be 2-3 yrs before that construction of a casino is completed. The casino is really the only revenue stream that will probably save the Panthers.

 

[Panteras]

At least the Marlins improved this past season by 15 wins and has an MVP quality player (for now).

There hasn't been any light at the end of the Panther tunnel in years. And the threat of relocation is looming larger than ever before.

Totally agree about the Marlins. But that wasn't who I was referring to as my other fav team of other fav sport lol

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

At least the Marlins improved this past season by 15 wins and has an MVP quality player (for now).

There hasn't been any light at the end of the Panther tunnel in years. And the threat of relocation is looming larger than ever before.

Yep. And I'd say the one and only thing holding the Marlins back is the ownership, even more so than the Panthers. Not only do they have a superstar talent, they have two, unfortunately one was hurt early in the year. At least the other one was there most of the year before he got hurt. And the Marlins have had two championships as well. Ownership has killed that team.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

At least the Marlins improved this past season by 15 wins and has an MVP quality player (for now).

There hasn't been any light at the end of the Panther tunnel in years. And the threat of relocation is looming larger than ever before.

I have to admit that I'm definitely more impressed by the Marlins future than the Panthers future at this point in time. As much as I hated Loria for doing what he did, the sell off of those free agent signings are starting to pay off combined with the drafting of key players (Fernandez, Stanton, & Yelich). I think Loria & co kinda didnt understand what the fan base always wanted...not to spend tons of money on free agents, but to spend money on its own players by signing them to long term deals so we didnt keep developing these young players just to trade them away. We'll see if that happens with Stanton this winter as that will be key for the Marlins long term.

I kinda feel like its the same problem now with Panthers where the signing of free agents isnt what is needed or wanted. Yes I know the cap floor requires they spend a specific amount of money ($51M) but there's ways to get above the floor without spending stupid money on marginal free agents. The Panthers on-ice success is really tied to what happens with the drafted talent of Barkov, Gudbranson, Huberdeau, etc. If they cant get to all-star levels like the Marlins young players have done, the success on the ice (that is needed to draw fans) will never happen.

 

[RainingRats]

I have to admit that I'm definitely more impressed by the Marlins future than the Panthers future at this point in time. As much as I hated Loria for doing what he did, the sell off of those free agent signings are starting to pay off combined with the drafting of key players (Fernandez, Stanton, & Yelich). I think Loria & co kinda didnt understand what the fan base always wanted...not to spend tons of money on free agents, but to spend money on its own players by signing them to long term deals so we didnt keep developing these young players just to trade them away. We'll see if that happens with Stanton this winter as that will be key for the Marlins long term.

I kinda feel like its the same problem now with Panthers where the signing of free agents isnt what is needed or wanted. Yes I know the cap floor requires they spend a specific amount of money ($51M) but there's ways to get above the floor without spending stupid money on marginal free agents. The Panthers on-ice success is really tied to what happens with the drafted talent of Barkov, Gudbranson, Huberdeau, etc. If they cant get to all-star levels like the Marlins young players have done, the success on the ice (that is needed to draw fans) will never happen.

Scouting and player development is our biggest issue. The Marlins get an A+. They're fantastic. They always find great players and develop them properly. They also know what young talent to acquire when they ship off veterans. The Panthers get an F-. Scott Luce should have been fired a long time ago.

 

[Rats96Yo]

This might be the lowest I've ever felt as a sports fan. I'm so tired of getting beaten down by other fans, by the team on the ice, and by the media. It's too bad sports fans can't act civil and support each other, regardless of the team that they cheer for.

Same, my favorite time of year, when my two favorite sports teams are playing, and I don't know which is worse, the Panthers or the Miami Hurricanes. Both of their outlooks look completely bleak and it's not as in there seasons, but the very meaning/futures of their existences.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

Scouting and player development is our biggest issue. The Marlins get an A+. They're fantastic. They always find great players and develop them properly. They also know what young talent to acquire when they ship off veterans. The Panthers get an F-. Scott Luce should have been fired a long time ago.

I have to agree with you there for the most part. I wouldnt say they get an A+ for scouting as they have missed badly on some of its early picks too (Jeff Allison, Volstad, Skipworth, and possibly Moran) but they have been extremely good at development. But you're right that they have done well though with their trades and getting impact youngsters in return. Thats where I think the Panthers have not done well enough since Tallon took over, outside of trading Horton & Ballard. I can't point out any possible all star young players that were acquired via trade except maybe Bjugstad. I met Luce shortly after the 2003 draft (nice guy and was approachable) and I have to agree that his time here is amazing in all the worst ways and cant believe he's still around. I can see the possibility though if Tallon is axed after this season due to the results on the ice, that Luce will probably also get axed along with him (plus much of the scouting staff).

 

[Haj]

I have to agree with you there for the most part. I wouldnt say they get an A+ for scouting as they have missed badly on some of its early picks too (Jeff Allison, Volstad, Skipworth, and possibly Moran) but they have been extremely good at development. But you're right that they have done well though with their trades and getting impact youngsters in return. Thats where I think the Panthers have not done well enough since Tallon took over, outside of trading Horton & Ballard. I can't point out any possible all star young players that were acquired via trade except maybe Bjugstad. I met Luce shortly after the 2003 draft (nice guy and was approachable) and I have to agree that his time here is amazing in all the worst ways and cant believe he's still around. I can see the possibility though if Tallon is axed after this season due to the results on the ice, that Luce will probably also get axed along with him (plus much of the scouting staff).

I don' think you can blame Luce. Stamkos came into the league and he had Gary Roberts, Martin St.Louis on his TB team, that and no player we have drafted on quite that level in terms of being a super star.

This team should be better version of the 2012 team that lost to the Devils in the playoffs. Just have to play to their strengths.

 

[Beezeral]

I don' think you can blame Luce. Stamkos came into the league and he had Gary Roberts, Martin St.Louis on his TB team, that and no player we have drafted on quite that level in terms of being a super star.

This team should be better version of the 2012 team that lost to the Devils in the playoffs. Just have to play to their strengths.

This. Most teams surround their young talent with vets who can lead both on and off the ice. The Panthers surround their young talent with guys that can lead off the ice, but on the ice are just average

 

[Howboutthempanthers]

This. Most teams surround their young talent with vets who can lead both on and off the ice. The Panthers surround their young talent with guys that can lead off the ice, but on the ice are just average

Nailed it. Doesn't matter what kind of leadership they bring if they suck at the actual job at hand. If that's the case they can be gone, and bring another guy who is just another guy in the room and can contribute consistently on the ice (mostly right now for our team, that means offensively, but don't be a liability defensively).

 

[MillarWithASave]

Breaking the lease might become an issue, who knows really.

One thing that always sticks out to me is that the area around BB&T has no nightlife, heck, no life at all. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's no bars or clubs to go after a game and nothing that entices people to come out and spend a night enjoying hockey and more afterwards. A Casino would certainly help, but who knows if that will ever become a thing.

I never will understand why they felt the need to place the arena in Sunrise, it seems like such an odd place for an arena. But I do suppose there are worse locations out there, I think if we played back in Miami we would have a lot less problems. There is so much more nightlife around there and I'm sure many people wouldn't mind seeing a hockey game for $15.

 

[CoolburnIsGone]

I never will understand why they felt the need to place the arena in Sunrise, it seems like such an odd place for an arena. But I do suppose there are worse locations out there, I think if we played back in Miami we would have a lot less problems. There is so much more nightlife around there and I'm sure many people wouldn't mind seeing a hockey game for $15.

The problem with that is the majority of the hockey fan base is located in Broward and Palm Beach counties. So by putting an arena in Miami (or playing at AAA) would alienate/reduce the fan base that would pay $15 to go to a game. I only go to 1-2 Marlins games per yr specifically because it's located so far south from north Broward area. In comparison, when the team was playing at the Dolphins stadium, I attended something like 15-20 games per yr (almost 1/4 of a season). If the stadium was located where the Panthers arena was, I probably would be a half-season ticket owner which is the same as what a Panthers season seat owner is.

The physical location is fine, it's the fact that it's not surrounded by any entertainment options. It was just poorly planned out thinking that Sawgrass Mills would be that to provide an area where fans would go but it's not. The idea of the "casino" is what they should've had from the start back in 98 when the arena opened.

 

[Bure1096]

Just watched Melrose tell Florida "what's one more bad year?" And I am inclined to agree with him. Go out there support the team we love and get McDavid. The way we have been playing it will be tough for Buffalo to out play us. (Que South Park Little League episode)

 

[Beezeral]

Buffalo has as many goals in one night as the Panthers have all season. Says it all