Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe speaks after Florida's 4-3 shootout loss to the Rangers on March 23. When Panthers Starter Sergei Bobrovsky was struggling last season, and with the Panthers on the outside looking in of a wildcard playoff spot, Alex Lyon stepped up to the plate. Lyon was instrumental in the Panthers Playoff push, going 6-2-1 down the stretch to help Florida claim the last Wildcard spot in the East. That team would then go on a run to the Stanley Cup finals. The Baudette, MN native capitalized on his play in the Summer, leaving the Panthers in free agency and signing a two-year, $1.8 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. However, this March has gone the opposite way for Lyon, or to steal a timely March Madness term; the “Cinderella Slipper” has come off for Alex. Lyon has lost 8 straight starts for Detroit, including all 7 in the month of March. The Red Wings, who looked like a playoff lock heading into the month, have since gone 3-8 in March and now have just a one-point lead over both the Washington Capitals for the final Wild Card Spot in the Eastern Conference. Lyon’s play has been a big reason for this, as he has really struggled to get a save and both his save percentage and G.A.A have seen significant dips in the month of March. Lyon’s team is a in a similar position to the one the Panthers were in last season. It will be interesting to see if he regains any of that late season magic from last season, or if he will be on the other side of the equation this time around This is something to monitor for Panthers fans down the stretch, as depending on how the standings play out, the Cats could be headed for a first round matchup against the Red Wings. Stay tuned….. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Shorthand Panthers put up strong effort, lose in shootout to Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/shorthanded-panthers-put-up-strong-effort-lose-in-shootout-to-rangers] Panthers look to end 4 game losing streak as they take on the Flyers Sunday [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-look-to-end-4-game-losing-streak-as-they-take-on-the-flyers-sunday] Shorthanded Panthers put up strong effort, lose in shootout to Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/shorthanded-panthers-put-up-strong-effort-lose-in-shootout-to-rangers] Sasha Barkov not expected to play as Panthers visit Metro-leading Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/sasha-barkov-not-expected-to-play-as-panthers-visit-metro-leading-rangers] The Hockey Show: John Buccigross talks college puck and NHL playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-john-buccigross-talks-college-puck-and-nhl-playoffs]
