The Florida Panthers have been struggling mightily of late. With a record of 29-25-3, they sit eight points behind the Boston Bruins for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, with five teams ahead of them.
At this point, the Panthers may have already missed their shot at a third consecutive championship. If so, it would be the first time since the 2018-19 season that they failed to qualify for the postseason, and they could become the third team in NHL history to miss the playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Big Loss to Utah Mammoth
Their struggles really began against the Utah Mammoth at home on Jan. 27, their first game back from a three-game road trip.
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Despite entering the third period tied at 2-2, the Panthers ultimately fell in regulation 4-3 despite some questionable calls. While the Mammoth are not a weak team, Florida must find a way to win points when they should be able to grab them. This was the first of many blown opportunities.
Last Second Loss to St. Louis Blues
On Jan. 29, the Panthers entered the third period against the St. Louis Blues tied at 4-4. Forward Matthew Tkachuk had two goals and an assist against his hometown team.
After a questionable goaltender interference call on defenseman Niko Mikkola, the Blues went on the power play with less than two minutes to go in regulation. With nine seconds left in the game, Jimmy Snuggerud scored the winner to hand the Blues the 5-4 win.
Blown Lead to the Winnipeg Jets
On Jan. 31, the team entered the third period with a 1-0 lead against the Winnipeg Jets, looking to snag the two points. They failed to do that.
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Nearly halfway through the period, Cole Perfetti found the back of the net to tie the game. With a little more than four minutes to go in the game, Jets star Mark Scheifele scored the game-winning goal. Three nights in a row, the team blew a lead and failed to secure even one point.
Points Stolen by the Sabres
On Monday, the Panthers hosted the Buffalo Sabres. Again, they held the lead – 2-0 nearing the end of the first period. Again, the team blew that lead. The Sabres tied it at 2-2 before the end of the first.
The Panthers scored only one more goal (in the second) en route to a 5-3 loss. This one stings as they were six points behind the Sabres heading into the game.
Two Points Against the Bruins, but Not in Regulation
On Wednesday night, the Panthers played their last home game before the Olympic break against the Boston Bruins. Entering the third period, Florida had a 4-2 lead (including two power-play goals and one shorthanded). But like before, the team failed to hold it.
The Bruins scored two goals early in the third to tie it, and the 4-4 score held up in overtime. The Panthers eventually earned the second point in the shootout to end their losing streak at four games. But given that they were chasing Boston in the standings, this was not the best outcome for the team.
Beatdown by the Tampa Bay Lightning
If the Cats were looking to start a winning streak after the Bruins game, the Tampa Bay Lightning had other plans.
On Thursday, the Panthers capped off a disastrous start to the month of February. They were bullied in a 6-1 loss that included multiple ejections, including head coach Paul Maurice, and losing goaltender Daniil Tarasov to injury.
Is it Too Late for a Panthers Playoff Push?
With 26 games left on the schedule, Florida will need a ton of help if they want to make the postseason. They will need to win the majority of their games to keep up with the point pace. They are in trouble.
“It’s wild. Some of the guys in right now, I’m seeing them work their absolute ass off, grind, and play through stuff. It’s been wild. But, we are in trouble right now.’’
Matthew Tkachuk after their 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
The injuries that have plagued the Panthers even before this season have caused problems and inconsistency throughout the lineup. As a result, their potential three-peat season is now in jeopardy.
