SUNRISE (CBSMiami/AP) — It’s been a very interesting season for the defending Atlantic Division champs.
The plan for the Florida Panthers for most of the season was about as basic as possible.
Hang around the periphery of the playoff race until injured stars Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov healed, then try to make a run.
Huberdeau is back. Barkov is back.
Voila! The Panthers are back in the postseason mix.
Winners in eight of their last nine games — and coming off the first 5-0-0 road trip in franchise history — a Florida team that came into the season talking about the Stanley Cup is finally looking like a team that may contend for hockey’s top prize.