By Toby Rice
A slow start to the season is slowly turning a corner. The Florida Panthers suddenly find themselves inside the playoff picture. With a three game winning streak, and a 7-3-0 record in their last ten games, the Panthers sit in 6th place in the Eastern Conference. With the competitiveness in the East, the club also is just 2 points behind 4th place, and only 7 from the conference leading Columbus Blue Jackets.
"We're starting to play the type of hockey this team is built for," said the Panthers coach. "We know we have a talented group of players here, they want to win. It's exciting to see them get on the same page and play good hockey."
The Panthers recently signed several players to long term contracts. Could that have anything to do with the change in play?
"I'm not sure it does," says the Panthers' GM. "I mean certainly from a team perspective, it's one less distraction. Our guys know what this team is going to look like for several seasons now. We've got a core that's locked up, and our top lines will be the same next season. So yeah, maybe it's a calming effect. Guys can settle in and have the comfort in knowing that this is a team that is working together to build something great."
All eyes will be on the Panthers down the stretch. Now that they are in a playoff position, things could change in their plans for the trade deadline. Brock Boeser's name has been mentioned as a possible deadline move, but maybe he stays and the Panthers add to their team instead. With almost $5 million in cap space, there is an opportunity to make some additions. Only time will tell.
8/22/2026 - 289 words
