Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Last night’s loss hurts – and not just a little. The Florida Panthers now find themselves 8 points out of a playoff spot.
With only two games left before the trade deadline, the margin for maneuver is virtually nonexistent for Bill Zito.
Florida’s general manager will have to make heartbreaking decisions this week regarding the immediate future of his club.
We can agree that missing the playoffs with such a lineup would be a monumental catastrophe in South Florida.
Let’s be honest – time is running out, and the gap in the standings is becoming a mountain that’s impossible to climb.
Bill Zito is known for his aggressiveness, but right now he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place with his pending free agents.
It’s simple: if Florida doesn’t win its next two matchups, the red flag could come out very quickly.
Sell or hope for a miracle in Florida?
“Tough loss again tonight for the Panthers who are still 8 points behind the Bruins for a playoff spot. With 2 games left before the deadline, seems like the righting is on the wall.”
– Renaud Lavoie
Rumors will intensify around certain veterans if the team’s record does not improve dramatically by Friday.
The contract situation and the salary cap force Zito to evaluate every option to avoid walking away empty-handed.
In Montreal, this is being closely monitored, as every move in the Atlantic Division has a direct impact on the Canadiens.
Let’s be honest – seeing a division rival collapse is never bad news for Montreal’s rebuild.
The strong execution that defined the Panthers last year seems to have disappeared at the worst possible time of the season.
Morale must be at its lowest in the locker room after this loss that takes the wind out of everyone’s sails.
We’re waiting to see whether Zito will swing for the fences or instead choose the cautious path.
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