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Known for his questionable opinions, Mllbury was wrong again.
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After the shopping spree General Manager Dale Tallon went on last July 1st, many so-called experts went out of their way to bash Tallon and the Panthers for overpaying mediocre players in an effort to get to the cap floor. Tallon admitted that some overspending had to happen in order to conform to the league rule.
But Tallon didn't just spend to spend. He wanted to change the culture of the locker room. He wanted guys who he knew would work hard and buy into his much publicized Blueprint to turn this maligned franchise around in a hurry. Most of said experts thought it would not happen, at least not with the lot of players he acquired.
One of the later free agent signings seemed like icing on the cake of an already historic day: Sean Bergenheim. Coming off a tremendous playoff run where he scored nine goals for Tampa Bay Lightning in 16 games, there were definitely teams interested in his services. Florida came calling and Bergenheim only moved a few hours south to continue his career. His $2.75 million salary raised eyebrows, as well as brought more chirping from the naysayers that the Panthers were embarrassing themselves with all of the exorbitant salaries.
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| Bergenheim discusses his thoughts on Milbury's misinformed prediction. |
One of the more vocal critics was of course, Mike Milbury. There is no shortage of dumb things said and done from this so called "hockey guy." Most recently he described Sidney Crosby as “Little Goody Two-Shoes … back from his 35th concussion" on a Philadelphia radio show. He also was charged with assaulting a child during a youth hockey game in Brookline, MA, last December. The charges were eventually dropped, but it is safe to say trouble finds him, through his words and actions.
He was in true form when discussing Tallon signing Bergenheim, saying Bergenheim wouldn't score 9 goals for the entire season, referencing Sean's recent playoff success.
It is peculiar that Milbury would go out of his way to bash the player he drafted in the first round of the 2002 draft. Maybe he is still bitter that in 10 years with the Islanders organization he was so inept at drafting and trading players that he quickly became a laughing stock around the league.
While Bergenheim never fully reached first round production, he has been a gritty and serviceable player his entire career. He has 132 points (71G, 61A) in 388 NHL games, and as last year's playoffs showed, he can be counted on to produce when it matters most.
As with many Panther players this season, Bergenheim had his share of injury issues. He played in 62 games, scoring 17 goals with 6 assists. Not only was Milbury off the mark, Bergenheim was easily a 20-goal scorer if healthy. He provided versatility playing on different lines with different players, and he remained consistent in being the grinder and mucker he needs to be.
There is no question the Panthers will now live and die with players like Bergenheim. The physicality of the playoffs as well as the need for timely goals is right up Bergenheim's alley. There are no superstars on this roster, but when clicking they can wear any team down. With the shootout thankfully gone for the playoffs, in which the Panthers are dismal, this team has a playoff look to them.
Being tough to play against was one of the first things Tallon said he wanted from his team. Bergenheim is another key piece and brilliant signing that has ensured just that.