Florida is 6-0-1 over its past seven games and playing its best hockey of the season
On a game-to-game basis, it’s hard to argue that the Florida Panthers aren’t playing their best hockey of the season.
The Cats have points in seven straight and can clinch a playoff spot with a win in their final game on Thursday, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes at FLA Live Arena.
Florida had a chance to punch their postseason ticket on Monday but lost a tightly contested battle with the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime, 2-1.
Sure, it was a bit disappointing. The stars had seemed to align for the Panthers due to a surprising loss by the New York Islanders in Washington that opened the window for Florida to not only clinch a spot, but also set themselves up for a likely finish in the top Wild Card position.
That would mean avoiding the Boston Bruins in the first round, which is who will be awaiting the winner of the second Wild Card spot.
Boston set a new NHL record this season for wins this season. They are quite good. Avoiding them in the first round would likely be more advantageous than not.
So yeah, the loss on Monday night was a bit deflating when taking all that into consideration.
Just don’t expect to hear any Cats complaining about it.
"There’s no doubt in this room, right to the end, and we’ve shown that," said Florida defenseman Brandon Montour.
As far as the Panthers are concerned, their game against Toronto was just another step in the right direction.
Did they lose? Yes.
Did they play extremely well against one of the top teams in the conference? You betcha.
“We played a hell of a game,” Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice said afterwards.
Florida’s possession numbers were strong throughout, but it was the third period that, for the second straight game, the Panthers really took control of things.
If not for the heroics of Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov, Florida likely wins that game by more than a goal.
“That third (against Toronto) felt a lot like it did in Washington,” said Panthers goalie Alex Lyon. “We just kept our pedal to the metal, and that's the sign of a really good hockey team.”
Indeed, Florida has not looked as good as they do right now all season.
They are bringing a consistent, heavy brand of hockey that has kept the opposition at bay.
During their seven-game points streak in which Florida has gone 6-0-1, the Panthers have not surrendered more than two goals in any game.
Some of that credit goes to Lyon, and deservedly so. He was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week last week for good reason.
But game recognizes game, and Lyon is very quick to acknowledge how well his teammates are playing in front of him.
“If we bring that effort, that's all you can hope for,” Lyon said. “My philosophy is just, bring your best and let the chips fall where they may, and if we bring that, we have nothing to be disappointed about. It's going to make us successful more times than not.”
The determination and dedication put in by Florida all season is finally starting to reap dividends.
It’s been a season-long process to learn, execute and master the hard-intensity, grinding style of play Maurice has been trying to integrate.
You know what might be fun? Seeing the playoff style of hockey that the Panthers are getting quite efficient at serving up put into good use…during the playoffs.
“You want to be playing your best hockey this time of year, because you’re only a week away from it getting real and you don’t want to be sliding into it,” Maurice said.
Florida is one win away from things getting real.
Buckle up.