Three weeks ago you would have said Panthers' GM Dale Tallon would surely be a buyer at the March 2nd trade deadline. With his team just in and out of a wild card playoff spot logic would say another shot in the arm might be all that was needed for the playoff push.

How quickly things change in a bunched up Eastern Conference.

The Panthers picked a terrible time to come back to earth, losing four straight and earning only one point going into the All-Star break. Florida was neck and neck with each of the teams vying for the last few playoff spots but now find themselves seven points back of both Washington and Boston, who hold the top two wild card spots respectively.

One silver lining is that the Panthers have three games left with the Bruins and four games in hand, but there is no mistaking the top eight teams in this conference are on fire, and it will take an incredible, consistent effort from the Panthers to make the playoffs from their current position.

Can they?

Anything can happen in this league.

But with a 29th ranked power play and a team still looking for consistent offense, it will be very difficult.

The Panthers have played 24 of their 44 games on the road, and will end the season with what could be a very important 5-game homestand. One of those games is against the Bruins, who might end up being the only team Florida can catch.

But that may be looking too far ahead.

The next eight games will show whether the Panthers are ready to make a statement after much needed rest over the break, or they're not yet ready to take that next step in their development towards being an annual contender.

There is no time to come out of the break flat.

Detroit and Columbus come to Sunrise for two games before the Panthers head on the road for games against the Devils and then the red hot Rangers and Islanders on back to back nights.

It doesn't get any easier after that as the Kings, Predators, and Ducks come to South Florida for a 3-game stretch that might end up being must-win games to stay afloat. After the Panthers pasted the Ducks 6-2 in Anaheim earlier this season, they will be extra motivated to show the Panthers that was an aberration.

As the season progresses, games get harder to win as teams fight for the playoffs. Luckily for the Panthers they have been involved in many tight, playoff-type games. They have won the majority of these types of games.

But to win games that are about to get more difficult, there simply must be more scoring.

The power play must wake up.

They must stay healthy.

Must they add a few new pieces?

The next 8 games will reveal the answers.

The pressure will be as high as the competition, and it will be a great litmus test as to the maturity of this team.

What do you think? Can the Panthers squeak in the postseason or will they only be able to chalk this year up to marked improvement and start really turning the corner next season?

As always, thanks for reading and your comments are appreciated.

Dan Spiegel...
Florida Panthers Media

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