South Florida’s recent monsoon-type weather is causing some unexpected issues for the Stanley Cup Final.
The Florida Panthers‘ charter flight to Edmonton was delayed on Wednesday due to inclement weather, which caused widespread delays at both the Miami and Fort Lauderdale international airports.
The Panthers were supposed to take off at 1 p.m. ET, but their flight was first delayed until 3 p.m., then pushed back once more. ESPN‘s Emily Kaplan reported that the flight took off just after 4:30 p.m. local time, meaning the Panthers will not arrive in Edmonton until late in the evening.
The Panthers opted to give players an off-day on Tuesday rather than make the trek northwest, judging that it would be best for the players’ well-being to remain at home for the extra day.
“We didn’t like the idea of getting them up (Tuesday) early enough to get in at a reasonable time in Edmonton. We did not see a value in it,” head coach Paul Maurice said, per Florida Hockey Now, following Wednesday’s practice. The bench boss added that he did not get home himself until after 1 a.m. local time following the Game 2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
Game 3 is scheduled to take place at Rogers Place on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT. Watch it live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
The Carolina Panthers faced an unexpected setback as their charter flight to Edmonton was delayed due to inclement weather conditions. The team was scheduled to depart for their game against the Edmonton Oilers, but Mother Nature had other plans.
The delay was caused by a winter storm that swept through the region, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds. As a result, the Panthers were forced to wait it out until conditions improved and it was safe for their plane to take off.
This type of weather delay is not uncommon in the world of professional sports, as teams often have to deal with the unpredictable nature of the elements. While it can be frustrating for players and staff who are eager to reach their destination, safety is always the top priority.
In situations like this, teams must be prepared to adjust their travel plans at a moment’s notice. This can mean rescheduling flights, finding alternative routes, or even making last-minute accommodations for the team and staff.
Despite the delay, the Panthers remained focused on the task at hand and maintained a positive attitude. They understood that these types of challenges are simply part of the game and that they would eventually make it to Edmonton to compete.
In the end, the Panthers’ charter flight did eventually take off once the weather conditions improved. The team arrived in Edmonton ready to face off against the Oilers, showing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Overall, weather delays like this serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports travel and the importance of being flexible and adaptable in order to overcome obstacles. The Panthers’ experience is just one example of how teams must navigate unexpected challenges in order to succeed in the competitive world of professional sports.