The Florida Panthers may be surpassing the Miami Heat in the South Florida sports landscape. The Panthers are coming off consecutive Stanley Cup championships while the Heat suffered a humiliating playoff exit. The Panthers have successfully retained their key players while the Heat appear stagnant. This year marks the first time there is a debatable second-favorite team after football, as the Panthers' success contrasts sharply with the Heat's standings. National animosity towards successful teams can be a sign of respect among fans.
Even just a few years ago, to merely raise the question would have invited incredulity if not laughter, and to dare ask it aloud might have branded you a lunatic.
The Panthers are on top of the world in their sport as the Heat is sinking in theirs.
One team is coming off a second straight Stanley Cup championship celebration while the other tries to move on from being swept from the first round of the playoffs by a humiliating 122 combined points.
In sports, it's a good thing when your team is hated nationally. It's how fans convey respect.
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