The Florida Panthers season has been an average season with lots of ups and downs. For example, earlier in the year we were on a 5 game win streak. Now the team is starting to slack off (no negativity meant). But despite all this, I believe there is still lots of hope for this Panthers team to make the playoffs this season for multiple reasons. 

One of the main reasons is even after the winning streak ended, G James Reimer’s play has not dropped. He has a GAA of 3.05 and a SV% of .911 which is about the average save percentage of a starter. However Reimer has had a save percentage of .921 since Luongo went down. .921 is the mark of a Top 10 goalie. While we still don’t know exactly how much time Bobby Lu will be out, Reimer’s consistent play could help Lu have more rest.

But one of the things I believe the Panthers need  to do is to make a big move at the deadline to really help the team depth wise as injuries have depleted this team time and time again this season. While it may mean giving up a lot, but Erik Karlsson doesn’t seem like a bad move for the Panthers. You just never know what will happen with our Florida Panthers. So with that I believe there is a possibility for the Panthers to make a playoff push.

Another reason is that defensive play has stepped up across  the board ,which is helping out the young starter in James Reimer. Our defense has been a weakness all season long but has improved over time and could once again mean a lot in the long run.

Alex Mesa, 15