Fourteen years ago, imagine being at the NHL Draft and hearing, “With the 123rd pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, the Florida Panthers select Zach Hyman from the Hamilton Red Wings.”
The tepid applause must have rivaled a badminton tournament in terms of decibels. But unbeknownst to everyone at the time, this afterthought of a draft pick could become the key reason why the Panthers are once again denied their first ever Stanley Cup.
Despite being in a 2-0 hole, the Edmonton Oilers are back home Thursday night with an opportunity to begin a comeback against the Panthers.