It’s “what if” week on SBN, as you’ve probably noticed, and as a big fan of alternate timelines and the small wrinkles that can drastically change the course of history, I’m a big fan.
Such as, on the surface was does Nathan Horton and the Florida Panthers have to do with the Pittsburgh Penguins becoming the most successful NHL team post-lockout? You wouldn’t think there’s much of a connection.
But there’s a HUGE connection.
Heading into the 2003 NHL entry draft, the Panthers won the draft lottery and were choosing first.