Florida Panthers 'Super Confident' Starting Stanley Cup Final On The Road

On the road, at home, somewhere neutral, it doesn't matter, the Florida Panthers are ready to battle for another Stanley Cup.

The Panthers are entering their third straight final, and after defeating the Edmonton Oilers last season, get set for a rematch against Connor McDavid and company, and starting on the road this time doesn't bother them one bit. The Cats are super confident in their abilities and know they have what it takes to get the job done, regardless of which arena they are skating in.

"We're a super-confident team on the road this year," forward Sam Bennett told NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin. "I think we almost prefer it this year. It's a little different, less time at home, but we're up for the challenge."

The Panthers are hot on the road at the moment, winners of five straight, and 8-2 overall this spring. Florida has been able to find the back of the net with ease, outscoring their opponents 48-21 throughout this stretch.

"You have no distractions," Bennett said of life on the road in the playoffs. "You're just with the team, you're with your guys, and your whole focus is playing hockey. Sometimes that's a little nice. Especially this time of year, it gets a little busy down here with all the excitement, all the family and friends want to come out. Sometimes that can be nice."

Head coach Paul Maurice knows how to game plan for championships, and it all starts by buying into your game, regardless of where it's being played. "I don't think our game changes a whole heck of (a) lot," he said. "We're not a heavy match team, maybe that's part of it. We've got pretty good forward depth there, so we don't feel that when we get home, and you get home-ice advantage from the match that it's that big a deal."

The Panthers almost had the worst collapse in Stanley Cup Playoff history last season, and are hopeful they can repeat as Cup champs, without giving up a 3-0 series lead.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images