Unpacking "Panthers Uncaged": What We Learned from Episode 1

Welcome to the first installment of "Unpacking Panthers Uncaged" where we take a closer look into this week's "Panthers Uncaged," presented by Lexus. Let this serve as your spoiler warning, Cats fans - if you haven't watched the latest episode, check it out below.

THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Brian Boyle's brother is a priest at the Vatican.

It turns out that Brian Boyle, a 13-year NHL veteran and fan favorite now in South Florida, has some connections in very high places. During Episode One of Panthers Uncaged, the forward revealed that his brother is a priest at the Vatican in Europe.

As news broke of coronavirus spreading across Italy in early March, Boyle was one of the first Panthers to become aware of COVID-19 as his brother sought refuge overseas.

"Actually, my younger brother went to visit him," Boyle recalled. "I think they both got out on the last day that they were allowed to leave and come back to the states."

And even despite his brother's evacuation, Boyle never thought it would get this bad.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would turn into what it has turned into," he commented, referring to the pandemic and the worldwide shutdown it triggered.

Following the dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases across the globe, the NHL announced on March 12 that the 2019-20 regular season would be put on pause until further notice.

2. Mike Matheson's thoughts on the NHLPA vote for the Return to Play Plan.

As the NHL grappled with how to resume play, the NHLPA was called upon to provide insight and updates to teams. For the Panthers, Colton Sceviour and Mike Matheson were the representatives at the table. And on the 31-player NHLPA Executive Council, it was Matheson that gathered information before voting "yes" on the Return to Pay Plan.

"This whole thing has been so difficult because nobody has been through it," Matheson noted over a video conference. "There's not anything to go off of."

In the end, the NHLPA Executive Council ultimately voted 29-2 in favor of the league's tournament-style return to play proposal, and the plan was later announced by the NHL.

"The 24 team play in format was best option out there, considering the situation we're in," Matheson said.

3.Joel Quenneville's behind-closed-doors message to players last summer.

When Coach Q touched down in South Florida last summer, the Panthers knew they were in for some big changes. And while no one could predict what the future would hold, the team's new head coach had a storied past -- including three Stanley Cups -- to act as a strong foundation.

Addressing his new players for the first time at BB&T Center following his introductory press conference on April 8, 2019, he laid out his plans for the future with one very succinct message.

"We're going to win," the bench boss told the room. "And we're going to have a lot of fun."

"There's a lot of great ingredients in here. There's a lot of good hockey players. I'm excited to get to coach you guys."

The sudden and uplifting arrival of Coach Q had the Panthers poised for an NHL campaign like one they'd never experienced in 2019-20, and definitely not in ways they could've expected.

BEST MOMENT

The Captain in the zone ahead of a scheduled game in Dallas took the cake as the best moment in Episode One.

GIF OF THE EPISODE

Are words necessary? We really love to see it.

NEXT TIME ON ''PANTHERS UNCAGED''

On the next episode of "Panthers Uncaged" the Cats will begin settling into a new routine upon their return to the Panthers IceDen. From on-ice action to coronavirus testing, get a behind-the-scenes look as players and staff put safety first above all else.

Episode Two of "Panthers Uncaged" is coming soon.

To keep up with all things Florida Panthers, check out Video: Panthers Uncaged: Episode 1.