Florida is three points back of Boston with two games in hand in the battle for the Atlantic division, but Boston has the toughest schedule in the NHL to end the season according to Tankathon

The Panthers have some big games coming up this week, starting with the red-hot Nashville Predators coming into town tonight (13-0-2 in last 15). They on Saturday have the tough task of taking on the first place in the Metropolitan New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

The Cats are in a battle for the number one spot in the Atlantic Division with the Boston Bruins, but according to Tankathon the Bruins have the toughest schedule in the NHL to finish the season.

The Bruins will face a .602 strength of schedule with 12 games remaining, while Florida is listed at .564 with 14 games left. The Panthers are currently 3 points back of Boston, but with the games in hand and two remaining games against the Bruins, they will have some ground to make up.

Florida has dropped two straight in regulation, and with the surging Predators coming to town, need to get back on track.

Depending on seeding the Panthers could meet a variety of familiar foes in the playoffs including the Toronto Maple Leafs , the Tampa Bay Lightning or even an old friend in Alex Lyon and the Detroit Red Wings depending how the standings shake out.

There are a lot of moving parts remaining when it comes to the Eastern Conference standings, but if we trust the numbers the Panthers do hold a significant advantage in strength of schedule over the Bruins down the stretch. Can’t wait to see how this race for both the Atlantic division, and the presidents trophy plays out.