Panthers Ferocious Again, and Gain

Another game, another win for the Panthers. It's been a common theme in the month of March, this time over the equally hot NY Rangers. Down 2-1 in the second period, the Cats clawed back to score twice (once in the second and once in the third). In this improbable rise from the ashes, last night may have been their most formidable win.

But of even greater significance is that Carolina finally lost! Six straight wins and the Panthers gain just two points. Still, they're now within five of Carolina's total, and with two games left against the Hurricanes, they can narrow it to one. All they need is a win to a Carolina OT loss, or an OT loss to a Carolina loss. Things are looking up in Pantherland.

Let's break down their remaining schedule:

3/16 Atlanta
3/20 Carolina
3/22 Tampa Bay
3/25 at Tampa Bay
3/27 Atlanta
3/29 Washington
4/1 at Atlanta
4/4 at Carolina
4/5 at Washington

All nine games are against the abysmal Southeast Division, with five against the freefalling Thrashers and Lightning. The Panthers must come away with at least seven points in those five games (3-1-1). The Capitals are also surging for the division lead (tied with the Panthers with an extra game at hand), so the Panthers can't afford to go any worse than 1-1 there. The two games against Carolina are must-win, barring a Hurricane collapse.

So by my estimation, the Panthers' only room for error is a 6-2-1 record (13 points). Considering the competition and the head-to-head nature, they now have a shot, and 13 points might just get them the 8th seed as well.