Shootout Winners

If it wasn't apparent already that everything has been aligning for the Panthers lately, last night should have confirmed that. After a three-goal-deficit-come-from-behind-victory and a shutout victory in Carolina, the Florida Panthers have pulled another rabbit out of their hat. They finally won a shootout. And not only did they win a shootout for just the third time this season, but also they beat a team that was 9-3 in them, and coming off a victory over Washington in one.

The shootout was an exciting ending to a game that, although containing a lot of playoff intensity at times, lacked scoring, and at times excitement. The Rangers got on the board with a questionable goal, after Tomas Vokoun appeared to have the puck covered. Nick Boynton received a ridiculous amount of penalty minutes, after sticking up for a cheap shot on David Booth. Booth took a marginal penalty with four minutes remaining, in a game that was not being called closely at all. Why does it always seem the officiating is slanted against us?

Yet the Panthers prevailed over the Rangers and the zebras, and it was Richard Zednik playing the hero again. Of course, one cannot leave out Tomas Vokoun, who stood on his head during the shootout, stopping all four shooters he faced.

Now the Panthers really get into the rough part of their schedule. Washington, New Jersey, Chicago, and Boston all come into town. Those are four teams that are fourth place or better in their respective conference. This is going to be a huge test for the Panthers, and could show if this team is ready to make the leap into the playoffs.

My current thoughts:

-Did anyone else miss Don King? He made 47 appearances in the Florida/Toronto game, but was nowhere to be found yesterday. Part of me is kidding, and the other part wishes I could hear him say "AtTheBankAtlanticCenter" in one second flat again.

-How hot is Richard Zednik? He's always been known as a streaky goal scorer, and it is once again being shown here. Let's hope he can stay on this roll for another few weeks.

-Big props to King Henrik for keeping the Rangers in it, but does anybody think Nathan Horton helped make his third period save look a lot better than it should have been? If Horton puts any air under his shot, it's an empty net goal.

-How much of a luxary is it to be able to roll four lines out there? Does anybody think we would have had the legs to finish off a back to back without this ability? I actually think Anthony Stewart is the best player on the fourth line.

-We need to take advantage of playing Washington on no rest tomorrow. The Capitals are an average road team at best, and are 4-5-1 this season on the second of a back to back. If we are to have any chance at making a run at the division title, tomorrow is a must win. We won't have a better chance to beat them.

-Anyone else fed up with San Jose? In the last week and change, they have allowed the 8th, 9th, and 10th seeds in the East to win in a shootout. So not only are they allowing teams to hang tight with the Panthers, but also are still taking a free happy meal point for themselves. Detroit will be ahead of them by next week.

-There's no other way to describe the Avalanche breaking Montreal's cold streak than a traveshamockery. Thanks a lot Colorado.

Tomorrow will be the first time in nine home games that I am not at the Bank Atlantic Center. Considering my hour drive, that is pretty impressive, but I will be back in attendance against New Jersey on Tuesday. The intensity there has been amazing lately, and I want to be there to experience it all. Good luck boys, and I'll be watching with baited breath.

Panthers playoff chances: 79.3 (Trending up)

Playoffs or bust.