It was the kind of consecutive efforts the Florida Panthers sorely needed. In addition to playing a solid overall team game, Roberto Luongo was spectacular in the last two games at Boston and Tampa.
The Panthers now have a two point lead in the Atlantic Division with seven games left. Of those seven games, four of them are at home and NONE of them are against playoff teams.
Just when it looked like the Panthers might have to back in to a top 3 seed, they're looking just as likely to be a two overall behind Washington in the East.
Pittsburgh helped Florida out yesterday by pasting the fourth place Red Wings 7-2 in Detroit, creating and 8-point gap. Barring a miraculous turnaround by a bleeding Detroit team or an epic collapse by the Cats, a top 3 seed is all but guaranteed.
Luongo stopped 67 of the last 70 shots he faced over the last two games against bitter rivals, which included taunting Jimmy Hayes after he robbed him of what looked to be a sure goal. He stood strong in Tampa after many glorious chances by the talented Lightning. The 5-2 victory could have easily been a 7-4 defeat if not for Luongo.
The Panthers offense woke up and have collectively outscored their opponents 9-3 over the last two games.
Another factor in the recent success is the defensive pairings were shuffled. The quality of opposing chances have been down somewhat and it seems the offensive game from the blue line has stepped up as well.
More shuffling roster-wide is coming as Erik Gudbranson and Derek MacKenzie "should" return sometime next week. That would finally create a full roster just in time for the final regular season games.
No team can be overlooked and many non-playoff teams are playing very well right now. The Panthers remaining schedule includes home games against the Leafs, Devils, Canadiens, and Hurricanes. They also have three on the road against the Leafs, Canadiens, and Senators.
With focus it would be hard for the Panthers not to finish above .500 for the remaining games, which likely would land them as the 2nd seed in the East. Anything can happen, but finally things are looking way, way up in Sunrise.
The most important factor for the remaining games are injuries. Florida has certainly been dealing with their share all year long and it looks as if things might be coming together at the right time. They cannot afford any major hiccups as they prepare for a postseason that has largely avoided them this century.
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