The Florida Panthers are keeping the hype as they chase the Stanley Cup. We currently have the top three teams in the Atlantic Division: the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. And all eyes are on Florida as they keep the chase on edge. Heading into Monday, the Panthers and the Maple Leafs are tied at the top of the division, both with a 43-25-3 record and 89 points. The Lightning (40-25-5, 85 points) are in a tight race for third. However, Florida has played one more game than Toronto and Tampa Bay, making the battle even more intense.
And it’s a given right from there that the drive is a big hit. But what’s more on the platter? Well, while we see the Florida Panthers keeping the chase on a tight call, the junior team is following the inspiring footsteps of the Panthers. Yes, we are talking about the Charlotte Checkers. Florida’s AHL affiliate has positioned itself for the Calder Cup Playoffs after a stunning showcase and bagging the path of a straight seventh trip to the playoffs. The Checkers picked up 4 goals in the third period and grabbed a classic 5-2 win against the Providence Bruins on Wednesday.
The head coach of the Charlotte Checkers, Geordie Kinnear, said, “I knew that was probably a scenario, but I was focused on playing winning hockey,” and added, “This group deserves an opportunity to keep playing, so they get that opportunity. We want to make sure we keep playing.” A moment of pride for the Florida Panthers, and with this stunning quest, the Charlotte Checkers stand at 37-19-3-3 in the AHL’s Atlantic Division. This one marks a stark milestone for the Checkers and the Florida Panthers, igniting the Stanley Cup fire even more.
With AHL’s spectacular aiding towards Calder Cup Playoffs, it strengthens the NHL roster pipeline
Well, it’s a following footstep, as we said. We get a hint at what we can expect in the future playoffs regarding the NHL roster pipeline. All promising routes are being built, as we can see here. But of course, with a touch of the veteran sticks, the Florida Panthers can be expected to rise and shine even further.
As we mentioned, Brad Marchand is getting on the radar again. His trade to the Florida Panthers from the Boston Bruins has been heartbreaking for all his fans. But the fact remains, and he’s been traded and shall now play for the Florida Panthers. As of now, Brad has not yet hit the ice, given the upper body injury he suffered during the match against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Giving an update on Brad hitting the ice, Katie Eagleson took to X and stated, “Per HC Paul Maurice, the team is targeting Friday’s game vs. Utah for Brad Marchand’s #FlaPanthers debut. Maurice says they will get him through a full practice tomorrow and then make an assessment.”
Brad Marchand is undoubtedly a valuable addition. He has the names and records both on his shoulders. We have seen it in the Bruins. In 61 games, with 21 goals, 26 assists, and 47 points, Brad proved to be a one-man army during the 2024-25 season. It’s an apt boost up for the Florida Panthers, with Junior qualifying for the Calder Cup, and now Brad is all set to hit the ice.
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