Good teams beat the teams they're supposed to beat, especially at this time of year. For the Panthers, nothing comes easy. After a season-high 5-game winning streak, Florida has now lost three consecutive games to bad teams in the Hurricanes, Oilers, and Islanders. While the last two losses were in shootouts, it does not sit any better with this team or coach Kevin Dineen.

Thomas Fleischmann said the team is feeling the pressure and possibly holding the sticks a bit tight this time of year, and Stephen Weiss knows they simply have to score more goals. Well, easier said than done apparently. The roller coaster that is the Florida Panthers continues.

So many times this year a two or three game winning streak was followed by two or three losses. Luckily the Panthers got off to a hot start to begin the season, which is a major reason why they sit three points ahead of the Capitals with seven games to play.

A multitude of injuries has had an effect, as well as practically unfair scheduling through November and December. But let's face it, most "experts" and people reading this expected the Panthers to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference once again despite the massive overhaul by GM Dale Tallon last summer. The Panthers are fortunate, and worthy, of where they stand today.

One of the biggest reasons for the team's success is the consistent play of Jose Theodore. He has simply been outstanding, shoving it in the face of everyone that laughed at Tallon acquiring him after Vokoun decided to test the free agent waters. Theodore is 4-1-2 over his last seven starts with a 1.66 GAA. If he keeps those kinds of numbers up the Panthers not only will win the division, but might be poised to make some noise in the postseason.

In all reality the playoffs started for the Panthers a month ago, if not earlier. They know how big each game is, and certainly know they could win the division comfortably or be out of the playoffs altogether with how tight the Eastern Conference sits today. There is no room for flat or inconsistent games.

Montreal would love nothing else but to play spoiler against a Florida team that has won the three games played this year. Additionally, the games have been especially chippy. We shall see if the bad blood continues tonight.

These four upcoming games on the road are make or break, mostly against teams they should beat. After Montreal comes Minnesota and Columbus back to back before heading to Detroit. It is imperative the Panthers earn at least 5 out of 8 points on this trip, or the worst case scenarios could be realized.

Just get in, anyhow, any seed. Nothing else matters for an organization in dire need of a spark.

Twitter @DanSpiegel

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