The NHL Eastern Conference playoff race is heating up, and the Florida Panthers are making a strong push towards securing a spot in the postseason. With a recent surge in their performance, the Panthers have risen in the NHL power rankings, and are now considered one of the top teams in the conference.
The Panthers have been on a roll lately, winning six of their last seven games. This impressive run has helped them climb up the standings, and they currently sit in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 23-16-5. Their recent success has been due to a combination of factors, including strong goaltending, solid defense, and a potent offense.
One of the key players for the Panthers this season has been goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has been outstanding between the pipes, posting a .913 save percentage and a 2.85 goals against average. Bobrovsky’s strong play has given the Panthers a chance to win every night, and he has been a major reason for their recent success.
Another factor in the Panthers’ rise in the power rankings has been their defense. Led by Aaron Ekblad and Keith Yandle, the Panthers have been able to limit their opponents’ scoring chances and keep games close. Ekblad, in particular, has been a force on both ends of the ice, contributing offensively while also playing solid defense.
Offensively, the Panthers have been one of the most explosive teams in the league this season. Led by Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, and Evgenii Dadonov, the Panthers have scored 144 goals this season, good for fifth in the league. Huberdeau, in particular, has been outstanding, leading the team with 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 44 games.
With just over half of the season remaining, the Panthers still have work to do if they want to secure a playoff spot. The Eastern Conference is incredibly competitive this season, with several teams vying for the final playoff spots. However, if the Panthers can continue their recent success, they should be in good shape come playoff time.
Overall, the Panthers’ rise in the NHL power rankings is well-deserved. With strong goaltending, solid defense, and a potent offense, the Panthers are one of the most dangerous teams in the league right now. As the playoff race intensifies, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers can continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the postseason.
