The Florida Panthers can be tasted pretty much.
With already punching the return ticket to the playoffs, the defending Stanley Cup champions have five regular season games left until the action rises.
After starting the final homestand with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, the Panthers will host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
Looking at the rankings, the Panthers (44-29-4) are currently pursuing second in the Atlantic Division and following Tampa Bay Lightning (44-26-6), while leading Ottawa Senator (42-29-6) in third place.
As usual, it looks like the playoff seeds are coming down on the wire.
“I’m not saying it’s important where we end up,” the rookie said following Sunday’s defeat in Detroit. “If you’re going to win everything, you have to beat everyone. I think you’re not only not opening the game, you’re still working on forechecking.”
To see what’s happening around territory this week or below, continue below.
game
Tuesday, April 8th: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7pm
**TV & Streaming**: ESPN, ESPN+ Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 92.1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931
Thursday, April 10th: vs. Detroit Red Wings – 7pm
**TV & Streaming **: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (Out of Market) Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 92.1 WZZR-FM 92.1 (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931 Theme: Autism Acceptance Night
Saturday, April 12th: vs. Buffalo Sabres – 6pm
**TV & Streaming **: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (out of the market) Radio: 790 Waxy (Dade/Broward); 92.1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931 Theme: Fan Appreciation Night Prize: Upper Deck Card
Get ready for round 1
Don’t wait to win a playoff ticket.
The schedule has not yet been announced, but fans can begin purchasing tickets for the Stanley Cup Playoffs at 10am on Wednesday, April 9th.
To purchase, visit floridapanthers.com/tickets.
Click here to receive pre-sale information.
The Panthers have made their appearance in the sixth and 11th postseason in a row in franchise history, attempting to make a back-to-back trip to the Stanley Cup final.
Meet the Maple Leafs
The Panthers will close their season series books with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
Ensuring they’d finish at least on the split, the Panthers were 2-1-0 against Toronto this season, leading 10-6 in those three games.
The Panthers, a strong team and powerful, are open at 50% on power plays and 85.7% on penalty kills in the season series with the Maple Leafs.
“Sam’s Club” has led the team ahead of time, with Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart each having five points leading the team against Toronto.
Probably a playoff preview, this is a must-see matchup.
For tickets please click here.
Panthers Team Award
The imminent end of the regular season means it’s time to vote.
Currently, fans are encouraged to select the winner of this year’s “Fan Selection” .
Last season, the honor went to Alexander Barkov’s Greatest tain.
Click here to hear your voice.
Panthers wandering
Making a difference didn’t look as cool.
At a press conference Monday at Baptist Health Iceplex, the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced the launch of Panthers on the Prowl, a Southeast Florida fundraising campaign that supports cancer research, patient services and more.
Co-chaired by Bill Jeet, general manager of the Florida Panthers hockey business, and general manager, and his wife, Julie, Panthers on the Prowl brings together art, community and philanthropy to support cancer research while celebrating the pride of South Florida hockey.
Donors to “Panthers on the Prowl” can acquire a body-shaped Panther sculpture intended to be displayed in workplaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, homes, etc.
“Julie and I are thrilled to launch this unique initiative to support the critical work of the American Cancer Society,” Bill Jeet said. “This campaign invites South Florida communities to wander around and raise funds and awareness for causes that are close to our hearts. Viewing Panther sculptures shows you’re “inside” and supports your vision of ending cancer for anyone. โ
Click here for more information.
Milestone Watch
Evan Rodriguez is five goals away from his 100th NHL goal. Anton Randell is four assists from his 100th NHL assist. Seth Jones is one goal away from his 100th NHL goal. Carter Verhaeghe is three points away from the 300th NHL point. Aleksander Barkov is seven assists from the 500th NHL assist. Uvis Balinskis is three games away from his 100th NHL game.
Cats Clip of the Week
With the regular season over, look back at the latest Prime Time Panther.
From the championship ring to the big wins, it was already quite a season.