Chris Pronger Q&A: On the Panthers, preparing for the playoffs

I’m fortunate. Over the past 20 years I have worked alongside some of the best people in the hockey industry.

When I was in the OHL with the Soo Greyhounds (as director of player personnel) our head coach was Craig Hartsburg. He brought experience, structure, and a winning pedigree to our organization.

When I was hired by the Nashville Predators, Martin Gelinas was on the back end of his playing career and would soon find himself in a player development role with the NHL team. Anyone familiar with Marty will agree he’s the perfect role model for players breaking into the NHL.

When I was in Florida with the Panthers, Brian Skrudland provided a unique perspective and delivery for our developing prospects. Skrudland has the personality of an energizer bunny. There isn’t an off switch. He is one of the most passionate people I have met. Our prospects were lucky to have him.

Bryan McCabe joined us in Florida in a player development role soon after his career came to an end. A veteran of over 1,000 NHL games, McCabe knows when to push the kids and when they need a pat on the back. At the end of the day they always know where they stand and what they need to work on. McCabe has always been “all in” when dealing with prospects. He treats them as family. When Grigori Denisenko (and others) arrive early for training camp, or find themselves training in Florida in the off-season, McCabe makes sure to invite the group to his home and engage in pickle ball tournaments and grilling around the pool. He goes the extra mile.

From 2016 to 2020 Chris Pronger joined the Panthers organization as an adviser. He was involved in everything. The entry draft, pro scouting, player development and free agency. “Prongs” had a reputation as a player. There is little doubt he was one of the nastiest defenders of his generation. A throw back you might say.

He was a big, strong, skilled, physical NHL defender. Most of all he was a winner. He won Gold at the Olympics representing Canada (2002, 2010) and a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007. It was always fun to get out on the road with Prongs and engage in healthy debates on not only hockey, but other things going on in the world.

I recently sat down with Pronger to talk hockey and gain more insight into his approach to winning when he played, his outlook on these Panthers, and more.

Jason Bukala: People refer to the Stanley Cup as the hardest championship to win in pro sports. How did you prepare yourself for playoff hockey? What was different from the regular season?

Chris Pronger: “I never changed my on-ice approach. From the time I arrived at training camp right through to the end of the season I was focused on playing the same way. I was what I was. I only knew one way to play. If you think, as a player, you can float through the season with a degree of success and then have to suddenly find another level for your game you are kidding yourself.

"In the regular season, teams break down their opponents as much as they can with video and pre-scouting. Come playoff time the coaches are even more prepared because we are staring at potentially a seven-game series. The same opponent for seven games. The only thing that changed with me was I found myself trying to recover quicker in the playoffs. It might have been a trip to see our athletic therapist about a nagging injury, managing my fluids with IV’s, and being even more in tune with my diet and rest cycle."

JB: How much does travel affect you during playoffs?

CP: "The league has done a good job of spacing out games. Additionally, teams travel in style. They either have their own plane or charter one specifically to meet their needs. Rarely did I ever feel like travel had an affect on my preparation. It’s no excuse. Everyone travels the same. The teams that are best conditioned and disciplined will have success."

JB: Are you surprised at the success the Florida Panthers are having this season? Do you believe they have a chance to win the Stanley Cup?

CP: "I can’t say I’m surprised. I don’t follow the NHL religiously. I’m busy with a lot of other things in my life. The core group they have in Florida is really strong. Players have matured and learned how to win. Barkov is elite. Huberdeau is having an unbelievable season. Ekblad, when not injured, is a top end “D”. Weegar is a horse who’s hard to play against. They will need to get good goaltending to win. If Bobrovsky is on, they have a chance."

JB: Talking about goaltending...who is the best “big-game” goalie you played with?

CP: "The top two were Marty Brodeur and Patrick Roy.

When I played in front of Brodeur he made my life predictable and much easier. I didn’t have to chase down dump-ins from opponents because he was so efficient at getting out to play the puck and make outlets on his own. He would step out, I would make myself available, and he would hit me on the tape with a pass. I would have much more energy as a result of not having to skate back, take a hit, and skate all the way back up ice. Having said that, Marty was more active than Patrick. He kicked out more rebounds at times, which made it different. I had to find the puck a bit more off Marty. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter. He’s a winner who I loved playing in front of.

Patrick didn’t play the puck like Marty. His style was more traditional. He was really focused on his job and made sure we knew what ours was. For example, in our end if an opponent was coming down the right side or walked out of that side of the ice Patrick made sure to let us know he had that guy. It was his responsibility to make that save from that side. He was telling us not to leave our man. He had his. You keep yours.

When you compare the two of them the thing that stands out most is they are extremely competitive and focused. They play their best under the bright lights."

JB: What are your thoughts on the NHL awards process?

CP: "I’m not saying players who win individual awards aren’t worthy of the recognition. I’m sure the league gets it right more than they get it wrong. What I do believe, however, is it has become more of a popularity contest than a reliable process. It’s also a bit unfortunate that we recognize players for their regular season work only. Playoffs are part of the season. It will never happen but it’s not a bad thought to have awards voted on at the conclusion of the entire year. Not just regular season."

JB: Let’s talk Twitter! Over 100,000 followers already!

CP: "Yeah. I took the plunge not knowing what to expect. I’ve mostly enjoyed it. It’s interesting for a variety of reasons. Some responses I get are thought provoking. Other responses come from people who don’t deserve a rebuttal. One thing I have found out is it's impossible for me to keep up with everything everyday. I could literally sit and respond or post all day long if I wanted to. I don’t have that kind of time but I am enjoying the platform."

JB: Do you see a time in the future when you return to the NHL?

CP: "Never say never! For now it’s definitely not part of my plan. It would have to be a perfect situation and I’m not sure those exist. I’m enjoying being an entrepreneur and watching our luxury travel business 'Well Inspired Travels' evolve."