Maurice can laugh while thinking how different he's viewed by fans from last All-Star break to this one

It’s amazing how much of a difference a year can make.

First off, let’s take a moment to wish Florida Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice a happy 57th birthday.

To this point, Maurice has enjoyed a 2023-24 season full of team success and personal accolades.

While watching his Panthers perform well, executing his systems despite dealing with several key injuries, Maurice has surpassed 1,800 games coached in the NHL – something only two others had achieved – and moved into second place on the league’s all-time games coached list.

It was last Wednesday night when the Panthers were hosting the Arizona Coyotes that Maurice coached his 1,813th game in the NHL. 

As a tribute video played on the video screens inside Amerant Bank Arena, Maurice received a warm and extended ovation from the large crowd of Cats fans.

The gravity of the moment between he and the Panthers faithful did not go unappreciated by Maurice.

“It was really nice because the I don’t know that January last year at this time felt the same way,” Maurice said with a laugh. “But there's pro sports for you, right?”

Back in January of 2023, things were nowhere close to as pleasant around Pantherland as they are in current times.

On Jan. 30 of last year, Florida was three points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24-22-6.

There may or may not have been a popular hashtag floating around social media promoting the ultimate demise of Maurice’s tenure as Panthers coach.

Little did the fanbase know, the team was in the early stages of what would be an incredible and epic turnaround that carried the Cats all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.

Fast forward a year and it may have been a full circle moment for Maurice as he was showered by cheers from a packed arena as he was honored for his latest milestone.

“It was very nice, kind of a feeling of home,” Maurice said. “I love coaching these guys, and I love coaching here. It's been fun for me and it's nice to share that with them.”

The bond that has formed between Maurice and the tightknit Panthers locker room is something that can’t be understated.

It’s as clear as day when the team exudes the same fire and passion on the ice and for one another as their coach shows on a nightly basis.

The only question now is whether they can finish what they started last summer.

“I’ve been in the league a long time,” Maurice said. “I haven't been with this group, but God they're a fun bunch of guys to coach. And I’ve got really good staff, and I’m really enjoying my time now. I'm really enjoying my profession now.”

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Playing 'tight game' has Panthers leading NHL in road wins

NHL honors Matthew Tkachuk as superstar's hot streak has coincided with Panthers' run

Mackie Samoskevich returns to AHL, but for how long?

Panthers’ Reinhart chasing pair of historic NHL records

Three takeaways: Samoskevich moves to Lundell line, tired Panthers play smart game