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Panthers close to ending drought
Source: Agencies |
April 4, 2012, Wednesday
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HOCKEY'S longest active playoff drought might finally be ending. Not a moment too soon for the Florida Panthers, either.
If the Panthers beat Winnipeg at home, Florida will be headed to the NHL postseason for the first time since 2000. Only six teams from the four major US sports leagues are currently going longer than the Panthers without a postseason appearance - the NFL's Buffalo Bills, and baseball teams in Baltimore, Toronto, Kansas City, Washington and Pittsburgh.
"I'd hope we think it's our destiny," Panthers forward Kris Versteeg said.
Florida holds a three-point lead over Washington in the Southeast Division race. The Panthers have three games left, Washington just two after a 2-4 loss at Tampa Bay on Monday night, a score that put Florida on the brink of not only a playoff spot, but also the first division crown in franchise history.
Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos scored two late goals, giving him a NHL-best 58 this season. Stamkos gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 1:03 left, just after Jason Chimera had tied it for Washington. Stamkos then scored into an empty net at 19:58.
Buffalo is also contending for the No. 8 spot, but regardless of what the Sabres or Capitals do, a two-point night on Tuesday would kick off a Florida postseason celebration. A really long-awaited celebration, that is.
In Los Angeles, the Kings edged closer to only their second division title in franchise history by beating the Edmonton Oilers 2-0.
If the Panthers beat Winnipeg at home, Florida will be headed to the NHL postseason for the first time since 2000. Only six teams from the four major US sports leagues are currently going longer than the Panthers without a postseason appearance - the NFL's Buffalo Bills, and baseball teams in Baltimore, Toronto, Kansas City, Washington and Pittsburgh.
"I'd hope we think it's our destiny," Panthers forward Kris Versteeg said.
Florida holds a three-point lead over Washington in the Southeast Division race. The Panthers have three games left, Washington just two after a 2-4 loss at Tampa Bay on Monday night, a score that put Florida on the brink of not only a playoff spot, but also the first division crown in franchise history.
Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos scored two late goals, giving him a NHL-best 58 this season. Stamkos gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with 1:03 left, just after Jason Chimera had tied it for Washington. Stamkos then scored into an empty net at 19:58.
Buffalo is also contending for the No. 8 spot, but regardless of what the Sabres or Capitals do, a two-point night on Tuesday would kick off a Florida postseason celebration. A really long-awaited celebration, that is.
In Los Angeles, the Kings edged closer to only their second division title in franchise history by beating the Edmonton Oilers 2-0.
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