The Florida Panthers hope that a little rest will do a lot.
After losing three games out of the last four games after six consecutive wins, the defending Stanley Cup champion will be recharged for several days before returning to work this week.
After enjoying the days on Monday and Tuesday, the Panthers return to the ice for practice on Wednesday, then head back down the path again for a critical inter-conference matchup.
Following the fight against the playoff-hope Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, they will face off against the Washington Capitals, who will lead the Eastern Conference on Saturday.
To close the week, the Panthers will be holding the Pittsburgh Penguins at Amerant Bank Arena on Sunday.
Still in a great location, Florida leads the Atlantic Division with a 41-24-3 record.
“We just have a good time going home and rest and then going back to the road,” Panthers captain Alexander Barkov said after being defeated by New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Sunday. “We’ll forget about this and move on.”
To see what’s happening around territory this week or below, continue below.
game
Thursday, March 20th: Columbus Blue Jacket – 7pm
**TV & Streaming**: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (Out of Market) Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 92.1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931
Saturday, March 22nd: Washington Capitals – 5pm
**TV & Streaming **: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (Out of Market) Radio: 560 WQAM (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931
Sunday, March 23rd: vs. Pittsburgh Penguins – 6pm
**TV & Streaming**: Panthers+, WSFL-TV, WHDT, WFTX, ESPN+ (out of the market) Radio: 790 Waxy (Dade/Broward); 1230 WBZT-AM & 1 WZZR-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Key); Panthers App; SiriusXM App & Streaming 931
Collision with the cap
Currently there is no better test than the capital.
Washington, who leads the Eastern Conference with a 44-15-8 record and 96 points, is currently just two points behind the Winnipeg Jets in most of the NHL points.
The capital, which is scheduled to host the Panthers at Capital One Arena on Saturday, was toped by a 10-4 score in both two meetings this season.
In the midst of a comeback season, all eyes will be Alex Ovechkin as Alex Ovechkin continues to close the gap in Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s greatest goal leader ever.
Currently, Ovechkin has only eight goals from passing Gretzky’s 894 record.
The Panthers, a matchup on the measurement stick, know that they have to be at their best with this one.
Crosby and the cat
After a visit to Ovechkin in DC, the Panthers will hold his longtime rival at sunrise.
Welcoming Sidney Crosby and his crew to the Amerant Bank Arena, the Panthers close the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Season Series book on Sunday.
The Hard Fan Series, two previous matchups between Florida and Pittsburgh, is over 60 minutes, including the Panthers’ 3-2 shootout victory on January 3rd.
Just like Ovechkin, Crosby continues to beat his father’s time.
In 67 games, “Sid the Kid” produced a team-high 73 points (23 goals, 50 assists)
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Milestone Watch
Dmitry Kulikov has been three assists since his 200th NHL assist. Evan Rodriguez is five goals away from his 100th NHL goal. Carter Verhaeghe is five points away from the 300th NHL point. Carter Verhaeghe is two games away from his 400th NHL game. Anton Randell is five assists from his 100th NHL assist. Seth Jones is three goals away from his 100th NHL goal. Sergei Bobrovsky is five games away from his 750th NHL game.
Cats Clip of the Week
Get to know Seth Jones with the latest episode of the Prime Time Panthers.
