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![\"Mar](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/647119.webp.webp\" "\\"Mar")
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Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Last night’s loss hurts – and not just a little. The Florida Panthers now find themselves 8 points out of a playoff spot.<\/p>\n
With only two games left before the trade deadline, the margin for maneuver is virtually nonexistent for Bill Zito.<\/p>\n
Florida’s general manager will have to make heartbreaking decisions this week regarding the immediate future of his club.<\/p>\n
We can agree that missing the playoffs with such a lineup would be a monumental catastrophe in South Florida.<\/p>\n
Let’s be honest – time is running out, and the gap in the standings is becoming a mountain that’s impossible to climb.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It’s simple: if Florida doesn’t win its next two matchups, the red flag could come out very quickly.<\/p>\n
Sell or hope for a miracle in Florida?<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
– Renaud Lavoie<\/p>\n
Rumors will intensify around certain veterans if the team’s record does not improve dramatically by Friday.<\/p>\n
The contract situation and the salary cap force Zito to evaluate every option to avoid walking away empty-handed.<\/p>\n
In Montreal, this is being closely monitored, as every move in the Atlantic Division has a direct impact on the Canadiens.<\/p>\n
Let’s be honest – seeing a division rival collapse is never bad news for Montreal’s rebuild.<\/p>\n
The strong execution that defined the Panthers last year seems to have disappeared at the worst possible time of the season.<\/p>\n
Morale must be at its lowest in the locker room after this loss that takes the wind out of everyone’s sails.<\/p>\n
We’re waiting to see whether Zito will swing for the fences or instead choose the cautious path.<\/p>\n
Previously on All Montreal Hockey<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
01 MINUTES AGO|1 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Canadiens track Atlantic rival Panthers as Bill Zito nears sell-or-hold deadline decision<\/p>\n
Should Bill Zito sell off his assets before the trade deadline?<\/p>\n
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