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April 22, 2022
Florida panthers

The Florida Panthers made history on Thursday night by not only clinching their third divisional title but claimed the top spot — and home ice advantage — for the Eastern Conference side of the playoffs.

So, with the Panthers being the top-seeded team in the East, we can start to really look at who Florida will open up against in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Florida will square off against the second wild card team — the old No. 1 vs. 8 matchup.

Although the eight teams in the East have all been determined, who will end up with the second Wild Card has yet to finalized.


For weeks, it appeared the Washington Capitals would be that team.

Then, the Caps started playing much better.

Now there are a couple of teams who are in the running to open against the Panthers.

Who would be the best matchup for Florida?

Does it matter? Yeah, a little.

Florida will wrap up its regular season next Friday in Montreal; the start of the playoffs are scheduled for Monday, May 2 — although it sounds like Florida will open in Sunrise on May 3.

The opponent?

We will soon find out.

Who would the Panthers rather play — and avoid?

Boston Bruins

Current standing (as of Friday, April 22): 99 points, Wild Card 1

Last 10 games: 5-5-0

Season Series vs. Florida: Tied 1-1 with Game 3 in Boston on Tuesday night

Scouting Report: The Bruins are an aging team — but have been for years. They always seem to find a way. Boston comes into Friday three points back of Tampa Bay for the third spot in the Atlantic so it appears that a wild card position may be in its future.

On Thursday night, Pittsburgh smoked Boston 4-0. The Bruins have not been playing all that great, but they have Florida coming to the Garden on Tuesday in a game the Panthers may have some major lineup changes in.

Do the Panthers want the Bruins?: Not the best option out there, but, OK.

The Panthers are rolling through their opponents while Boston is struggling a bit. That can change in a week, but the Panthers should match up fine with the Bruins and this would not be the worst opponent one could imagine.

In 1996, the Panthers opened up against Boston and that worked out OK.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Current standing (as of Friday, April 22): 99 points, 3rd in the Metro

Last 10 games: 4-5-1

Season Series vs. Florida: Panthers won 2-1

Scouting Report: The Penguins have players who have been there and done that, but with goalie Tristan Jarry out for a bit with what is reported to be a broken foot, Pittsburgh is hobbled.

The Penguins have five games left and can either hold onto third for a first-round matchup with the Rangers, or slip into the first wild card and get Carolina. That may be the best situation for them right now.

Pittsburgh really does not want any part of the Panthers — although with its experience, the Pens could prove to be a tough out.

Do the Panthers want the Penguins?: Yeah, this will work. No offense to the Pens or the players who have plenty of playoff history, but in a seven-game series, the Panthers could do some damage here.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Current standing (as of Friday, April 22): 102 points, 3rd in the Atlantic

Last 10 games: 4-4-2

Season Series vs. Florida: Panthers lead 2-0-1 with Game 4 coming Sunday night in Sunrise

Scouting Report: Based on the beatdown the Lightning put on Toronto on Thursday night, some would say Tampa Bay is ready to defend its crown with a passion.

And that may be 100 percent correct.

The Lightning has not looked like itself for a while, but the playoffs are a different animal and these animals know how to hunt.

Sunday’s game in Sunrise may not mean anything — kind of like those last two games of last year’s regular season — but the Lightning know what to do when the big lights come on.

Do the Panthers want the Lightning?: Depends on how you look at things.

Do the Panthers want to be the team to end Tampa Bay’s quest for a Stanley Cup three-peat by getting some first-round revenge? Some will relish this opportunity.

Others will look at this for what it is: Stay away from the Lightning. Tampa Bay looks a bit bruised these days and perhaps all the games it has played the past two summers are taking its toll.

Or, the Lightning are just waiting for the playoffs to start to get back at it. Again, as much as the NHL would love another first-round series between these two, the Panthers would probably like to just play someone else.

Washington Capitals

Current standing (as of Friday, April 22): 97 points, Wild Card 2

Last 10 games: 6-3-1

Season Series vs. Florida: Panthers win 2-1

Scouting Report: The Capitals played Florida tough in the three-game series which was completed with the Panthers’ 5-4 win on Nov. 30. All three games were decided by a single goal — with one of the Caps’ losses coming in overtime.

Washington has looked much better of late and everyone knows the firepower this team can draw from. But can the Caps keep the puck out of the net?

As much as folks like to talk about every playoff game being a 2-1 affair, the Panthers would be able to score on the Capitals. And, Washington would likely score its fair share on Florida. This could be a fun shoot ‘em out series — and it’s a style Florida could see itself winning in five games.

Do the Panthers want the Capitals?: Why not?

The thought is Florida may square up better against the Penguins due to their goalie situation, but Washington’s situation in goal is not much better.

Washington has had success against Sergei Bobrovsky in the past so there is that history there. But this Panthers team is stacked. Like loaded.

This would be a fun series.

PANTHERS ON DECK

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS AT FLORIDA PANTHERS

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