SUNRISE, Fla. – There is no arguing that Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville knows what he's doing. Lately, it's become more evident that Quenneville feels the effort level from the Panthers, as a whole, needs to be better. "We've had some recent defeats with (our) compete level not at the all-out level, and I think that's what we're looking to reestablish," he said earlier this week. Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville watches during an NHL game against the Boston Bruins, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. I think that's the biggest thing, and everything else takes care of itself.

Looking at this Panthers group, however, it seems safe to say that their best hockey is still ahead of them. "We just need to play more consistent, play the same way every night," Panthers winger Frank Vatrano said. "There's games where we've played great and games where we've lagged for over twenty minutes, and it hurts us. Florida Panthers' Keith Yandle is seen during an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019. What that ultimately will mean, and where the Panthers will end up, is a script that has yet to be written.

SUNRISE, Fla. – With 2019 about to come to a close, Episode 8 of Chirping the Cats features host David Dwork and his guest, Local 10′s Ian Margol, as they go up and down the Florida Panthers roster and assess each player’s season, to this point. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android2:20 – Josh Brown5:25 – Keith Yandle9:10 – Aaron Ekblad16:50 – Anton Stralman20:55 – Colton Sceviour22:50 – Jayce Hawryluk25:15 – Brian Boyle30:30 – Brett Connolly34:30 – Jonathan Huberdeau39:55 – Mark Pysyk43:10 – Dominic Toninato45:50 – Aleksander Barkov49:15 – Mike Matheson

Aside from some childish enjoyment over what was literally just an oversized hockey puck, it didn’t seem like anything particularly special. "I guess it's just a weighted, big puck," Yandle said. FRIENDLY SWORDSMANSHIPObservant fans have probably noticed the somewhat different way that Panthers players celebrate victories on the ice. That's right, Panthers players enjoy some playful sword fighting on the ice every time they collect two points. HEY MR. DJFinding the right music for a locker room full of hockey players can be a tricky endeavor.

SUNRISE, Fla. – On Episode 7 of Chirping the Cats, Florida Panthers top line winger Jonathan Huberdeau joins host David Dwork for a chat about playing Joel Quenneville, Huby growing up as a Panthers player and much more! David also gets into some key elements of Florida’s season, which is nearing the 30-game mark. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CTC PODCAST - iOS | Android1:00 – Odd-man rushes2:50 – Gap control5:20 – Defense a 5-man game6:00 – Florida's aggressive defense7:20 – High-scoring Panthers8:20 – Jonathan Huberdeau interview9:20 – Playing for Joel Quenneville10:05 – Learning Q's system11:30 – Different start to the season, not falling behind12:45 – Playing best hockey of his career13:45 – Balancing passing and shooting15:30 – Growing up with Panthers core guys17:30 – Amazing linemates over the years19:10 – Leaders/coaches that have stood out

Young, journeyman goaltender Chris Driedger had just completed his first NHL start, called up days earlier by the Florida Panthers. Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger is introduced before an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Not only had Driedger just won his first start in the National Hockey League, but he did so without giving up a single goal. Quenneville wouldn’t say whether Driedger had earned himself another start when Florida hosts the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. Florida Panthers goaltender Chris Driedger defends the goal as defenseman Mike Matheson and Nashville Predators center Craig Smith fight for the puck on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Over the past two-plus decades, Florida Panthers hockey and Thanksgiving have not been an ideal pairing. Panthers fans have rarely had the opportunity to sit around the Thanksgiving table and discuss how good their hockey team is playing. Florida heads into Turkey Day with a solid 12-7-5 record, good for second place in the crowded Atlantic Division; only four points separate the Panthers and sixth place Buffalo. For a few weeks, it looked like Florida's overall defensive play was beginning to really tighten up. "Whether it's in the neutral zone or our rush game, I think we’re giving too much off the rush," Quenneville said.

SUNRISE, Fla. – There was never any doubt that the Florida Panthers were capable of more than what they'd accomplished in recent years. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)It's clear that the Panthers are a team that is still figuring things out. Florida Panthers center Jonathan Huberdeau smiles after scoring in overtime against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. UNCHARTED TERRITORYThere is something quite different about this Panthers team. “We’ve had a few good comebacks over the years, but a team this good, doing it consecutive weeks, it’s unheard of.”