Brock
Registered User
With the HFNHL regular season on it's last legs, the Florida Panthers look to finish out the season among one of the Eastern Conference's eight playoff teams. The Panthers have had a hold of the 8th spot in the East for a majority of the season, but with 14 games left, the 8th spot is ultimately up for grabs. The five teams fighting include the current holding Panthers, as well as the Thrashers, Hurricanes, Canadiens and Lightning. All 5 of these teams are within 5 points of each other.
The Panthers went through a period of serious struggle in the past month or so, which saw this hold on the last playoff spot weaken. However much of this can be contributed to the fact that during that stretch the Panthers were playing against the best teams in the league, night in and night out. While still no excuse, it can help to explain the Panthers poor record over the past while. Recently the Panthers have found themselves back on track with back to back wins against the Hurricanes and Kings. The victory over the Canes was especially big, being a rival for that playoff spot.
This last stretch is going to be very exciting. Over the course of the last 14 games, the Panthers will go up against the very teams they are competing with over that 8th spot. The schedule pits the Panthers against the Hurricanes, Thrashers and Lightning all two more times. Florida also sees the Capitals three times, as well as the Rangers, Avalanche, Coyotes, Flyers and Red Wings. That's only 5 games out of 14 against teams currently in the playoffs. If there is a time for Florida to shine, it is now.
In other news, the Panthers recently achieved their other endorsement goal in the Synergy deal. The deal pays out to teams who improve by 20 points or more from the previous regular season. During the 2003-04 season, the Panthers had a total of 38 points. With 64 point so far this season, Florida will be paid $2,500,000. If they can reach the 68 point total (very likely, with 14 games to go), then they will be awarded an additional $1,000,000, totalling $3,500,000. This would be added to the already achieved goals of the Mountain Dew endorsement which sees the Panthers recieving another $3,000,000. The endorsement deals have definitely been good to the Panthers this season.
The Panthers gear up for a rematch with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. It has to be considered a must win for both teams.
Esteban Santour,
Florida Post
The Panthers went through a period of serious struggle in the past month or so, which saw this hold on the last playoff spot weaken. However much of this can be contributed to the fact that during that stretch the Panthers were playing against the best teams in the league, night in and night out. While still no excuse, it can help to explain the Panthers poor record over the past while. Recently the Panthers have found themselves back on track with back to back wins against the Hurricanes and Kings. The victory over the Canes was especially big, being a rival for that playoff spot.
This last stretch is going to be very exciting. Over the course of the last 14 games, the Panthers will go up against the very teams they are competing with over that 8th spot. The schedule pits the Panthers against the Hurricanes, Thrashers and Lightning all two more times. Florida also sees the Capitals three times, as well as the Rangers, Avalanche, Coyotes, Flyers and Red Wings. That's only 5 games out of 14 against teams currently in the playoffs. If there is a time for Florida to shine, it is now.
In other news, the Panthers recently achieved their other endorsement goal in the Synergy deal. The deal pays out to teams who improve by 20 points or more from the previous regular season. During the 2003-04 season, the Panthers had a total of 38 points. With 64 point so far this season, Florida will be paid $2,500,000. If they can reach the 68 point total (very likely, with 14 games to go), then they will be awarded an additional $1,000,000, totalling $3,500,000. This would be added to the already achieved goals of the Mountain Dew endorsement which sees the Panthers recieving another $3,000,000. The endorsement deals have definitely been good to the Panthers this season.
The Panthers gear up for a rematch with the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. It has to be considered a must win for both teams.
Esteban Santour,
Florida Post
