The frenzy has settled from free agency. Trades are at a trickle. It’s vacation time across the NHL. That makes for a good time to take a look around the Eastern Conference and evaluate each team and the chance it has of claiming one of the same eight playoff spots open to the Red Wings.
Today’s focal point:
The Florida Panthers
RECENT NOTABLE DOINGS: Added forward Reilly Smith. Subtracted forwards Jimmy Hayes, Brad Boyes and Scottie Upshall.
ANALYSIS: Hard not to like the Panthers.