Florida Panthers
Florida is currently at the top of the Eastern Conference with 108 points, and they only improved with the addition of Claude Giroux.
Rangers’ head to head vs Florida: 2-1-0
November 8 at the Garden: 4-3 Rangers. New York jumped out to a 4-0 lead, then held on due to the heroics of Shesterkin.
December 29 at Florida: 4-3 Panthers. The Rangers took a 2-1 lead into the third period then gave the game to Florida.
February 1 at the Garden: 5-2 Rangers. Complete dominance from New York. This was when the Rangers looked like a true contender.
Deadline acquisitions: F Claude Giroux and D Robert Hagg from Philadelphia, D Ben Chiarot from Montreal.
Florida’s biggest strength: Florida has one of the top offenses in the league. The Panthers overwhelmingly lead the league in goals per game at 4.15, and they look unstoppable on the offensive front. They also lead the league in shots per game and boast a top ten power play.
Florida’s biggest weakness: Their penalty kill ranks among the bottom half of the league. Florida has struggled all year when down a man. The Rangers’ power play should be able to take advantage of the Panthers’ kill in a potential playoff match-up.