Panthers forward Vladimir Tarasenko speaks after Florida's 6-4 loss to Toronto on April 1. The Panthers looked to be competing for not only the top spot in the Atlantic division, but the Presidents trophy as well heading into March, but have really struggled as of late. Florida has gone 2-7-1 over their last 10 games. While the have flashed at times, the combination of injuries and poor defensive play has really affected this team. The Bruins now have a four-point lead on the Panthers for the one seed in the Atlantic, but that is not the only thing this Panthers team has to worry about. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NDc5OTU1MDI5NTY3NDQ0/screenshot-2024-04-03-at-111235-am.png] Toronto has quietly (rare for Toronto) climbed within four points of the Panthers and have two games in hand. The Leafs take on a surging Tampa Bay Lightning team Wednesday and if Toronto can get two points, the home ice advantage that looked to be a certainty just a few weeks back for Florida could suddenly be in jeopardy. The Panthers have just 6 games remaining on the schedule, including a season finale hosting the Leafs. A Leafs win over the Lightning could make that final game very significant. Florida’s four point gap with the Leafs is the same as their four point deficit to Boston, so there are still a lot a moving parts here, but the biggest difference when it comes to Toronto is those two extra games the Leafs have to make up ground. I know it might kill the Panthers organization and its fans and to have this mentality, but all of Florida is hoping for a Lightning win Wednesday night. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Panthers late-season struggles continue, dropped 5-3 by Montreal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-late-season-struggles-continue-dropped-5-3-by-montreal] Florida Panthers sign Dartmouth goaltender Cooper Black to two-year ELC [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-sign-dartmouth-goaltender-cooper-black-to-two-year-elc] Tarasenko may move up to top line if Verhaeghe misses time with injury [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/tarasenko-to-move-up-to-top-line-with-verhaeghe-likely-to-miss-some-time] Three takeaways: Maurice downplays comeback attempt , shakeup on back end [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-maurice-downplays-comeback-attempt-shakeup-on-back-end]
