It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

With the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs about to get underway, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito joins this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast to discuss the team’s regular season, working with new head coach Paul Maurice, the continued ascension of several key players and more.

Plus, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive preview Florida’s opening-round series with the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Boston Bruins, which will kick off on Monday at TD Garden.

Highlights of the episode include:

• Previewing the Round 1 matchup between the Panthers and Bruins. (1:15)

• Panthers general manager Bill Zito joins the show! (8:30)

• Zito talks about working alongside head coach Paul Maurice. (11:40)

• Zito discusses Matthew Tkachuk’s first season in South Florida. (15:50)

• Looking at the evolution of players like Carter Verhaeghe and Gustav Forsling. (18:00)

• Zito talks about the “Lyon King” and his late-season surge. (21:00)

• Enjoying the present, but also keeping an eye on the future. (26:00)

• Doug and Jameson share their biggest keys for the Panthers in Round 1. (29:00)