Panthers Loss a Major Setback in Playoff Race

Today the Florida Panthers suffered a devastating 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, those vicious cross-state rivals to the west. The Panthers now trail the 8th seed, Boston, by 5 points with an one fewer game left to play.

This was one of those games that you want to forget immediately but for some reason you can't. A must-win game against a terrible team - and a loss. I guess I'm being a little hard, after all, the Panthers did just gain 17 of a possible 18 points in their previous 9 games. Arghhh.

Frustration is the word I'm looking for. The Panthers have played their best hockey of the year, but once again, it's most likely too late.

They cannot lose another game. Period.