WASHINGTON In 2011-12, the Panthers won a division title and then placed fifth in the Southeast Division the following season.
Last year, Florida won the Atlantic Division title and lost in the playoffs to the New York Islanders four games to two.
But the Panthers had another major drop-off this season, finishing sixth in the Atlantic Division even with a 2-0 victory Sunday night over the first-place Washington Capitals of the Metropolitan Division in the regular-season finale for both teams at the Verizon Center.
Florida was 35-36-11 with 81 points this season after registering 103 points last season.