Florida Panthers playoff a reward for Barkov, Huberdeau & Ekblad

The Florida Panthers officially clinched a playoff spot by beating the Nashville Predators 7-4 on Tuesday night.

A place in the postseason, unlike past years, was never really in doubt as these Panthers took off from the start.

Save for a few bumps in the road, this team has had its foot on the gas throughout.

Still, you could almost see the look of relief on the faces of Jonathan Huberdeau and Sasha Barkov.

If you walked outside your door in South Florida at the time Florida officially clinched, you may have heard Aaron Ekblad yelling in celebration.

These guys have been through a lot in their time with the Panthers.

They are starting to be rewarded.