While comparing National Hockey League teams it's as important to evaluate ownership as much as the goaltending or, for that matter, any other aspect of a franchise.
When it's Panthers vs. Rangers in the owners area we're talking about Vincent Viola in Florida and James Dolan in New York. Let's start with the Champions.
Now a dozen years into his run in Florida, Viola's team has made the playoffs seven times – now six years in a row – and has reached the Cup Final three out of the last three years, good for two straight titles.
Viola runs his franchise like an efficient army for the pure and simple reason that he graduated from West Point and is dedicated to the military service.
Hockey News Yearbook writer Colby Guy described Viola this way: "Ever since taking over as owner of the Panthers in 2013, Viola has strived to run the team with the same values he was brought up with throughout his time in the U.S.Army."
The Maven's NHL-Ownership-Expert Jess Rubenstein adds this: "Viola is a hands-on, community-focused owner. He's deeply invested in team culture and local outreach. Furthermore, he's known for his loyalty to players and staff, fostering a "family-first" culture. It's worth noting that he is beloved by his players as well as the fan base."
As for Dolan, few know him better than former Rangers (Newsday) beat writer Steve Zipay. X-Raying Dolan for The Hockey News Yearbook, Zipay estimates Dolan's net worth at between $2 billion and $3 billion.
His Rangers rank as the second-most valuable NHL club at about $4 billion. Up until this past season, the Blueshirts generated playoff revenues for three years. Few who have covered the man will disagree with the assessment that Jim is "feisty."
The Awful Truth: Comparing the Blueshirts With The Champ Panthers
<b>WARNING TO RANGER FANS: </b>The following analysis should be read with at least two aspirins handy; it could be painful. (And don't say The Maven didn't warn you.)
Our Rubenstein is not Dolan's biggest fan. "He's corporate and media-savvy but often
too focused on his other team, the Knicks. He's known to be too hands off the Rangers which has led to accusations of lack of oversight when it comes to Chris Drury's handling of the Blueshirts. One could safely say that – unlike Viola – Dolan is not beloved by his fan base." Some observers will tell you that he couldn't care less!
At this point in time, there's no need to advise who wins the Ownership Derby. Automatically, it goes to the Cup-winner!