Panthers Cause Given Helping Hands from Around the League
Despite having not played since last Saturday, the Panthers playoff hopes have been bolstered by the results elsewhere. The other teams in the race have gone on a sudden losing streak and the path is now wide open for Florida. Of course we still need to keep on winning our games to have any chance whatsoever, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to see the likes of Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Carolina being harassed for points.
|
Pos
|
Team
|
GP
|
W
|
L
|
Ot
|
Pts
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6.
|
New Jersey Devils
|
43
|
25
|
15
|
3
|
53
|
|
7.
|
Buffalo Sabres
|
43
|
21
|
17
|
5
|
47
|
|
8.
|
Carolina Hurricanes
|
44
|
21
|
18
|
5
|
47
|
|
9.
|
Florida Panthers
|
42
|
20
|
16
|
6
|
46
|
|
10.
|
Pittsburgh Penguins
|
45
|
21
|
20
|
4
|
46
|
Last night it was the Sabres and Penguins that tripped up; losing against Chicago and Washington respectively. Pittsburgh continued its losing streak at home to the Caps, 3-6. This after having won their previous game away to fellow Pennsylvania rivals Philadelphia 4-2. We can only hope the Flyers defeat was the start of a losing streak – as they sap some sunshine here in Florida – and hopefully come away with a nasty nose burn for their troubles…
Buffalo’s downturn has perhaps not been as spectacular or well documented as the Penguin nosedive, but is been quite noticeable nonetheless. Yesterday they went down to the Blackhawks, losing 4-1, despite drawing first blood in the game. The Sabres have lost some bite and lost 4 consecutive games; 2-4 vs Ottawa, 1-2 vs Rangers and 1-3 at Detroit before being blown away in Chicago. Next on their current western road trip is a stop at a resurgent Dallas, who’s stars are showing loud mouth Sean Avery where the game is played; on the ice – rather than off it.
Fellow South Eastern rivals Carolina meanwhile, where knocked off their groove by the Panthers a week ago and are still reeling from the two-four punch. Since then they’ve lost two consecutive 1-5 games; against Boston and Ottawa respectively. Unfortunately they now look set to get things back on track, as they host a confidence bereft Maple Leafs team, tonight. This should be the perfect time for the Hurricanes to let off some steam and get points on the board; before going to Buffalo on Saturday.
Apart from these three teams that are within immediate striking distance of the Panthers in the standings, there is also the New Jersey Devils in sixth spot to keep an eye on. They won their last outing in Vancouver 5-3 and host a strapping Columbus team tomorrow, before entertaining the marooned Islanders on Saturday. A boost for the club is the signing of veteran forward Brendan Shanahan, which was at last confirmed yesterday. The Devils continue to steal points and might be a tough task to catch up with, but a sixth place could be very valuable in the long run for Florida – in so far as avoiding the top two teams in the Eastern Conference playoff (likely to be the Bruins and Capitals) – who both look like true contenders for the cup.
Yet, here we are, going ahead of things again… First things first and the Panthers must focus their full attention on the upcoming double-headed-feature against the Flyers and Lightning, before turning attention to playoff rivals Buffalo on Monday. As fans however, we can afford the luxury of drifting in to the future a little and get lost in playoff reverie. So far we are getting some very supportive and helping hands from other teams around the league – and let’s hope that continues…
I am so hopeful. As you can see, the coin turns for every team in the NHL; and you never know when it’s coming (or going). So this, amongst other things, feeds my fragile heart with loads of hope that the Florida Panthers, a team that has been out of the playoffs for too long, can make it this year.
Let’s hope the coin turns for the Devils so the Cats can catch a break!!!!
It is hopeful indeed!
Although it turned out my prediction were off: Toronto beat Carolina …wow!… but Buffalo managed to see off Dallas in a shootout. Nonetheless great news about Carolina’s continued woes
The NHL schedule is crazy. Florida has played 6 more road than home games,finished the season series on the road with Ottawa but have yet to see division rival Washington once here in Florida. Florida’s last trip to Tampa is this Saturday night.
The Panthers have seen the bad end of the NHL schedule so far, but on the other hand, having come through some of those difficult road trips and games already – we do have an advantage coming in to the second half of the season I believe. We have some home games to look forward to, and some important ones too, although personally I’d rather not have the Capitals coming to town anytime soon – they look a dangerously good team…
We kicked Washington’s butt the only time the teams met. That was in Washington, without several key players, and the game Booth got hurt in.
Maybe the Caps are just a house of cards waiting for Florida to pull out its bottom. It is nice to dream.
Indeed it is, and considering Panthers seem to play better against good teams – anything’s possible!
It seems the games we have to dread this season are the ones against Atlanta (although not last time), Tampa Bay, NY Islanders and the other bottom feeders. It really is an enigma when you think about it – but that’s the Panthers for you!