SUNRISE (AP) — The Florida Panthers start every season with the same vow, to get off to a strong start and not take an early hit in the standings.
And this year, it happened.
The Panthers lost to Detroit 4-1 on Sunday, notable because it was the first time in nine games this season in which Florida didn’t get at least a point in the standings. Florida’s 6-1-2 start through nine games is the second-best in franchise history, topped only by the 6-0-3 record to open the 1996-97 season.
“We’ve been consistent in most games,” Florida coach Joel Quenneville said.