Folks,
We have been riding a very special wave this season as Florida Panthers fans. A 55-15-6 record is one thing. But this team is breaking franchise records - as well as setting/breaking individual milestones - on a nightly basis.
The resurgence of the “Comeback Cats… had me nervous for a bit. But I’ve learned to go with it. These guys are truly never out of a game, despite how bad or sluggish of a start they might have.
The Panthers also learned to master an enemy this year. That enemy was the road. Florida struggled mightily in away games during the early/middle part of this season. They have since done a good job correcting that problem.
This team keeps on breaking records 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OubyZ5jWnK
— x - Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 20, 2022
With six games left in the regular season, the Cats eye another enemy that has plagued them for some time now…
The first round of the playoffs.
But if ever there was a time to smash that enemy, it would be this season. I can’t think of a more perfect time than now. This squad has the possibility to finish off this already-stellar season strong and charge into the post-season with their confidence at an all-time high.
And coming off the OT win over the Islanders, where Barky recorded a hat trick (all of Florida’s goals) and Huby had three apples to pass Connor McDavid for most points in the league at 111, only adds to this team feeling untouchable.
Barkov is the only #FlaPanthers player to ever complete a hat trick with an overtime goal.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) April 20, 2022
He's now done it twice.
There's a new @NHL points leader. 👀 @FlaPanthers | #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/Q3Ay9cTJ43
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 20, 2022
Jonathan Huberdeau recorded three assists to boost his season totals to 30-81—111 (76 GP) and reclaim the lead in the NHL's 2021-22 Art Ross Trophy race.#NHLStats: https://t.co/3HNs8a0Ypu pic.twitter.com/Mw2YdXjOOQ
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 20, 2022
The Cats will look to add even more confidence tonight as they try to extend their win streak to 12 when they take on the Detroit Red Wings.
These two teams met on Easter Sunday when the Panthers throughly handled the Wings in a 6-1 victory.
They should look to do the same tonight as they gear up to face three strong teams in in these last six games:
Toronto Maple Leafs (clinched playoff spot): 4/23 Tampa Bay Lightning (clinched playoff spot): 4/24 Boston Bruins (wild card hunt): 4/26
While any team can lose on any night, it’s interesting to note that of the 11 teams the Panthers have beat on their current streak, there is only one that’s clinched a playoff spot:
MTL CHI NJ BUF TOR - clinched BUF NSH - Western Conference Wild Card hunt ANA WIN DET NYI
That’s not meant as a knock on Florida. They did what they should be doing during this streak and that’s beat the teams they should beat.
The TOR, TBL and BOS games will be a great tune up for Florida to get exposed to some pre-playoffs-playoff action before the real thing. I expect these games to be fast and intense - can’t wait!
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Let’s keep this train moving…Go Panthers!