$5 Things We\'ve Learned From The Florida Panthers\' Early-Season Action$

5 Things We've Learned From The Florida Panthers' Early-Season Action

By Will Billinghurst

5 Things We've Learned From The Florida Panthers' Early-Season Action

Florida Panthers — The Florida Panthers are having a great start to the 2015-16 NHL season and are currently third in the Atlantic Division with 11 points. If Florida can keep playing well, then they could end up being one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Here are five things that Florida's early-season has taught us so far.

5. Roberto Luongo Is Still An Elite Goalie

Roberto Luongo

5. Roberto Luongo Is Still An Elite Goalie

Roberto Luongo — Florida's great start to the season has shown that Roberto Luongo is still an elite goalie in the NHL. At 36 years of age, most goalies start to decline in how well they are able to play, but Luongo has shown that he is going to be Florida's starting goalie for a while. So far this season Luongo boasts an impressive .939 Save Percentage and a 2.00 Goals Against Average.

4. Aaron Ekblad Is Avoiding The Sophomore Slump

Aaron Ekblad

4. Aaron Ekblad Is Avoiding The Sophomore Slump

Aaron Ekblad — Aaron Ekblad had an amazing rookie season with 39 points in 81 games and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. The question everyone is asking is if Ekblad can avoid the sophomore slump, and so far, the answer is yes. In nine games, Ekblad has three points.. There is still a long season ahead so Ekblad needs to keep playing well to avoid dropping off like many second-year players.

3. Trading For Reilly Smith Is Paying Off

Reilly Smith

3. Trading For Reilly Smith Is Paying Off

Reilly Smith — Florida traded Jimmy Hayes for Reilly Smith and the trade has already paid off. Currently, Smith has seven points in nine games and is third on the team in points. With Florida, Smith is able to play higher in the lineup, which should lead to him having a career year.

2. Florida Has A Bright Future

Florida Panthers

2. Florida Has A Bright Future

Florida Panthers — With half of the team at 24 years of age or younger it only means that Florida has a bright future with all this young talent. Of the top five players in points, three of them are younger than 24: Vincent Trocheck, Reilly Smith and Nick Bjugstad. Florida can be one of the most dangerous teams to play this season as long as the team's veteran leadership can continue to support and help these young players grow and adapt to life in the NHL.

1. Jaromir Jagr Is Still Going at Age 43

Jaromir Jagr

1. Jaromir Jagr Is Still Going At Age 43

Jaromir Jagr — Jaromir Jagr is the oldest player currently in the NHL at 43 years of age, but his age doesn't seem to show. Jagr has put up 10 points in nine games and leads Florida in scoring. If Jagr can keep up the scoring pace, then he should have one of the best seasons that he's had in a few years. I predict that Jagr will exceed 60 points this season and from the way he's playing, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Jagr still in the NHL two years from now.

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Florida Panthers

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