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5 Florida Panthers Game To Watch For In 2015

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5 Florida Panthers Game To Watch For In 2015

Florida Panthers v Arizona Coyotes
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The Florida Panthers are somehow, someway hanging around a playoff spot and show all the makings of being one of those low seeds that are a tough out in the playoffs. In order to reach the ultimate goal of reaching the postseason for the second time in 15 years, the team will need to play some inspired hockey in 2015. These five games will be among the best to watch between now and the end of the season.

5. Jan. 8 @ Vancouver Canucks

Roberto Luongo Florida Panthers
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5. Jan. 8 @ Vancouver Canucks

Roberto Luongo Florida Panthers
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Roberto Luongo’s return to Vancouver will be one of the storylines of the NHL season, as his rocky tenure and rockier departure were some of the NHL’s biggest headlines during his eight years with the Canucks. Because the Canucks are playing very well, I really think the crowd will take it easy on Luongo. Having said that, if he plays poorly, I’m sure the proverbial “Bronx Cheer” will be broken out by the Vancouver faithful.

4. Feb. 8 vs. Los Angeles Kings

Willie Mitchell
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

4. Feb. 8 vs. Los Angeles Kings

Willie Mitchell
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The reining champions come to South Florida, and team captain Willie Mitchell gets to go up against his former teammates with whom he won two Stanley Cups. If the Panthers want to be considered an elite team, they’ll need to be at their best against a team that has proven it has the heart of a champion.

3. Feb. 12 @ Minnesota Wild

Bjugstad
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Feb. 12 @ Minnesota Wild

Bjugstad
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Blaine native Nick Bjugstad returns to the “State of Hockey” as the Panthers faceoff against the similarly young and talented Minnesota Wild. Look for the 22-year-old power forward to be at his best as he puts on a show in front of his hometown fans and helps the Panthers get the win.

2. Mar. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Stamkos
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2. Mar. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Stamkos
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The team from the Gulf Coast has dominated their in-state rivals in recent years, but look for the Panthers to be up to the challenge. Containing superstar goalscorer Steven Stamkos will be the key to getting the win, as both Sunshine State teams could be playoff-bound this season.

1. Apr. 9 vs. Boston Bruins

Bruins Panthers
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Apr. 9 vs. Boston Bruins

Bruins Panthers
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Boston is one of the teams Florida will be in a down-to-the-wire dogfight for a playoff spot with and the team’s second to last game of the season could very well be the deciding factor. Look for the South Florida faithful to be out in full force like they were in the 2012 playoffs to cheer the Panthers on in what could be one of their biggest regular season games in team history.

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.
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Alex Petrovic and Evander Kane Square Off Three Times In One Game

During Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday evening, Alex Petrovic and Evander Kane squared off twice in the second period, with an epic finale in the third. Unfortunately, they were both ejected after the third fight. Chances are, this battle would have continued into the fourth of fifth round had the two been anywhere near each other for the rest of the game.

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