Drawing from nearly six years of experience in a TV production control room – a multi-screen environment managing the organized chaos of live broadcasts – the process remains impressive.
A team of around 25 specialists, from producers and directors to timekeepers and color correctors, collaborate with on-screen talent to produce a broadcast.
The precision and coordination required for a smooth 30-minute show are frankly astonishing. Everyone must understand their role and work in harmony with the team, resulting in a highly efficient unit. Applying this analogy to hockey, the outcome is a team that operates like the Florida Panthers.
When the Panthers are at their best – executing precisely and playing cohesively – they are incredibly effective. They overwhelm opponents, seeming to have extra players on the ice, yet their dominance stems from a surprising simplicity.
Florida`s success relies on mastering fundamental principles through collective commitment, rather than complex or unique strategies. Their straightforward approach works wonderfully when the team is unified. This simplicity makes it easy for new players to integrate and contribute immediately, as demonstrated frequently this postseason.
We will explore three core principles of the Panthers` strategy that have contributed to their third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
Reload Above the Puck
On a recent NHL Network segment, former NHLer Blake Wheeler shared insights into Paul Maurice`s coaching philosophy:
“When I played for Paul, on the forecheck, the two things he would say: ‘If you’re not on it, you’re above it.’ I mean, as a forward, how easy is that to play? There’s no thinking involved in that game.”
“It” refers to the puck. This means a forward without the puck should position themselves “above” (on the defensive side of) it in the offensive zone, or even drop back into the neutral zone.
Here`s an illustration showing all three forwards executing this strategy.
This core principle benefits Florida`s game in several ways. Firstly, it enables layered puck pressure, making the Panthers seem omnipresent on the ice. With forwards consistently positioned above the puck, defensemen can aggressively challenge, and the team can swarm opponents confidently, knowing support is always present. If one player is beaten, another is immediately available.
Below are examples demonstrating this layered forecheck.
Panthers forward Sam Bennett also praised coach Paul Maurice`s motivational skills, noting he keeps his private remarks confidential.
