Posted by February in South Florida usually means snowbirds clogging up I-95 and talk of upcoming spring training. This year, it also marks Do-or-Die month for the Florida Panthers.
Florida is currently in the all-important 8th seed in the eastern conference, one point ahead of Carolina, one point behind 7th seed Buffalo. The Panthers are off to a good start in February, winning their first two games; a 4-3, come from behind, OT win in Toronto, and then a 3-2 win back on home ice against the Islanders. Now comes the tough part. Florida has 11 games remaining this month. 9 of those come against teams above them in the standings. In comparison, the Cats had 12 games in January, and 7 of those were against teams that had fewer points. Florida took care of business, and has posted an impressive 9-2-3 record since the calendar flipped to 2009. The next 22 days could make or break the season.
On the plus side, Florida does have 6 of their next 8 games in their home barn. On the negative, this month, the Panthers play all 3 eastern conference division leaders. Twice. On the one hand, Florida enjoys a lengthy 5-game homestand. On the other, those 5 games are against the New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins. To close out February, Florida takes to the road for 3 straight, visiting the Bruins, Rangers, and Devils (oh yea, the road trip continues into March, with games in Washington and Atlanta before the Panthers finally return home).
Florida has seemingly improved in every game, and is now playing with an energy and confidence that has them believing. It has become fun team to watch, even if no one is watching. Just YouTube Richard Zednik’s last 2 goals, against Montreal and the Islanders if you don’t believe me. Most hockey fans and experts north of Broward County have yet to take notice of the power that is growing in Sunrise, FLA. Maybe that is just how the Panthers want it.
Admittedly, there is little to no pressure on this team. They haven’t seen postseason hockey since 2000. They aren’t taken seriously as a hockey market. Who cares if they’ve gone on a nice little run of late? They’ll never last. It’s a young team with few players that have experience in high pressure games. Well this month, the Panthers have a chance to announce themselves to the world. There is an opportunity to gain ground on the teams above them each and every night. Or, they have a chance to slip quietly back into obscurity. Only time will tell.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Florida Panthers Look Back; Booth Concussed, Dirty Hit? Kulikov Staying, and Panic or Patience?
Panthers Promise!
Coyotes Begin Second Half Against Ducks
Florida Panthers Sellers at the Deadline… Kind Of. Why Weren’t There More Moves?
Florida Panthers’ Biggest Move Was Not Making One
Coyotes Losing Streak Continues on Heartbreaker
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KARL SELVIG: i couldn’t find an email address listed, which i figured would have been a better way to contact you, but you should write a piece exploring the idea that the panthers could trade bouwmeester, and still make the playoffs
I already posted that to an extent Noah.
http://thehockeywriters.com/dispelling-flyers-trade-deadline-rumors/
The first two parts are about the Flyers seeking Bouwmeester and what they would be willing to give up. Basically in terms of making the playoffs now the Flyers can offer the Panthers a very good package.
I will, no worries. Probably a little closer to the trade deadline, I’ll do a full Jay-Bo article of sorts.