8th Seed More Likely for Panthers

After losing 2-1 in a crucial shootout on Thursday to the division-leading Carolina Hurricanes, the Florida Panthers now find themselves 8 points out of first place in the Southeast. The loss was crushing, ending a 7 game winning streak and great momentum. Its frustrating on many accounts considering that Florida outplayed the Hurricanes with many more scoring chances, especially in the 2nd period. Unfortunately, Cam Ward was outstanding in net for Carolina and allowed just 1 goal on 37 shots. Furthermore, the Panthers would have been 6 points instead of 8 points behind those Hurricanes with an extra game to play.

Now barring a total collapse from Carolina, it would appear that Florida's best highway to the playoffs is via the 8th seed. They remain just 4 points behind Boston in 8th place and 5 behind Philadelphia in 7th. Also, the collective remaining schedules for the two teams mentioned are much more difficult than that of the Panthers.

Boston - Montreal once, Ottawa twice, Buffalo twice, Toronto twice, New Jersey once.

Philadelphia - NY Rangers once, New Jersey twice, Pittsburgh twice, NY Islanders twice.


Compare that to Florida's relatively easy remaining schedule:

Florida - Carolina once, Washington twice, reeling Atlanta and Tampa Bay twice.


Although there is still Washington and Buffalo separating Florida from the 8th spot, Florida can take care of the Capitals. And the Sabres...well, they have an extremely difficult remaining schedule as well.

It's safe to say that tomorrow's game against the Lightning is a must-win.