from Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette,

At a time when the average value of an NHL franchise increased by 18.6 per cent, the value of the Panthers declined by 21 per cent and the team lost an estimated $15.6 million.

A good spin doctor would point out that the Panthers have room for growth, but there’s nothing to suggest the team has a future in the swamp. Last season, the Panthers announced average attendance of 14,525. This season, the team has set franchise attendance records, but they have been records for the smallest crowds in team history, bottoming out at 7,311. The Panthers’ average crowd is 8,895, but there’s hope of topping 9,000 by the end of the month because Québécois tourists ensure a sellout for the Canadiens-Panthers game on Dec. 30.

The decline in attendance in southern Florida isn’t a result of an eroding fan base. It is a reflection of the true fan base there. Attendance is down because new owners came up with a novel idea — they asked fans to pay for their tickets after years of freebies and deeply discounted seats.

Whether the NHL wants to admit it or not, the Florida franchise is on life support.

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