The Florida Panthers are in the midst of a do or die seven-game homestand in which they are in a full playoff push. The Cats are riding a two-game winning streak since the arrival of Jaromir Jagr from the New Jersey Devils and are just two points behind the Boston Bruins for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks are quietly making their own playoff push with seven wins in their last ten games to move up to sixth place in the Western Conference standings.
Florida will host the reeling Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver will host the slumping San Jose Sharks, in two key matchups for Tuesday.
Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers: Faceoff from the BB&T Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Toronto has quit long ago and the roster blowup and makeover is already underway. The Leafs have lost seven out of their last nine games. Florida looked rejuvenated in their two weekend wins with the newly arrived Jagr.
What to Watch: Florida is starting to play with noticeable confidence and effort which will be a stark contrast to the disgraceful Leafs.
Who to Watch: Jagr of course. He has immediately made an impact with his skilled play and, just as important, with his leadership. Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo has a .920 save percentage and was acquired one year ago for just this type of playoff push scenario. Center Nick Bjugstad has 22 goals for Florida and rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad is a Calder Trophy candidate with 10 goals, 23 assists and a plus-eight.
Why to Watch: It would be a great story if the Cats can make the playoffs and get the franchise back in the news for the right reasons.
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San Jose Sharks at Vancouver Canucks: Faceoff from Rogers Arena is set for 10 p.m. ET. The Sharks have lost eight out of their last ten games to fall to tenth place in the Western Conference. Vancouver is just one point behind the Winnipeg Jets for fourth fifth place in the West. Vancouver has won seven out of their last 10 games and is coming off a 6-5 shootout win over the St. Louis Blues.
What to Watch: The momentum clash of the surging Canucks against the down trodden Sharks. San Jose has plummeted to 23rd overall for goals against and 25th for penalty killing. Will the Sharks bring a desperate effort or fold like an accordion?
Who to Watch: Vancouver goaltender Eddie Lack has filled in well for the injured Ryan Miller, but has a .910 save percentage in his last five games in a league with a standard of .920.
Why to Watch: This is a virtual playoff game for both teams and a must win game for the Sharks.
