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…
The most talked about was of course ex Toronto captain Mats Sundin who, after a much protracted search for a new home, finally settled on Vancouver. With Sundin’s established leadership and skill, the Canucks can look forward to some interesting times come the spring. In addition to this big name signing they also added some depth to the goalie department by acquiring Jason LaBarbera from the Los Angeles Kings. He will add some competition to the spot while Roberto Luongo remains out and could fill in case of future emergencies or simply when Luongo needs a break between the pipes. These signings should help keep Vancouver fresh this spring, and with perhaps another signing or two, they could be true contenders this season.
Originally he had hoped to get a spot with his beloved Rangers, after his contract expired at the backend of last campaign, but finally had to give up as the New Yorkers couldn’t find any space or cap money for him. After taking his time it was finally the New Jersey Devils that came away with his signature. The 40-year old is expected to bring home a contract worth $ 1.5 million, earning just under half of that sum. General Manager Lou Lamoriello of the Devils said yesterday; that a contract would be worked out “in the next couple of days.” As the above mentioned veteran players, he’ll bring a wealth of experience to his new club. Certainly his arrival will be a real boost for the Jersey hopeful.
