Now on a losing streak, Panthers try to bounce back in Dallas

It took more than half the season, but the Florida Panthers are on their first losing streak as they limp into Dallas to face the Stars  this weekend.

Over the course of the franchise’s checkered history, a three-game slide has sometimes come in a season’s first week.

With the possibility that star center Sasha Barkov will return Saturday after missing the past two games, the Panthers have hope that the streak will not hit four.

Dallas, however, is no pushover — and is in a fight for its playoff lives.

Florida meanwhile, will be shorthanded — missing two of their top scorers in Sasha Barkov and Patric Hornqvist.