Belief Fuels Florida Panthers as They Fight for Playoff Berth

Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, the Florida Panthers have relied on one key ingredient to power their playoff push: belief in themselves.

This self-confidence has driven the team forward, helping them to overcome adversity and stay focused on their goal of securing a coveted playoff spot.

And now, that playoff spot sits just three points out of reach.

Belief in Panthers Dressing Room Unwavering

After last night’s 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the teams’ confidence is at an all-time high.

“There’s no doubt in this room that every guy’s going to show up,” Ryan Lomberg said in response to how his team’s competing.

“It’s no surprise that the guys came ready to play.”

The Cats have now strung together back-to-back wins, including a massive 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. And they’re finally playing with a full, healthy lineup. 

“It was awesome,” Sam Bennett said of having a healthy roster again.

“You could feel the energy in the room. Everyone was excited. … We’ve got a lot of confidence right now and we’re ready to do whatever it takes and make that push.”

Even with all the players coming in and out of the lineup, the Panthers have done a remarkable job preventing any stumbles down the stretch.

They haven’t lost back-to-back games since January 27 and have only conceded one losing streak (three games) since January 3. 

And that’s in large part to everyone, especially the stars, stepping up.

Panthers Leaning on Stars to Find Success

This run for the Panthers could only have been achieved if everyone was doing their part. 

But as with any team, you have to be able to lean on your stars to find that continued success.

And that is exactly what we’ve seen from the Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky has been living up to his hefty $10 million dollar price tag. The Russian netminder has been a workhorse and a wall.

Bobrovsky has started in 12 of the team’s last 13 games and has an outstanding .957 SV% and 1.25 GAA in his last four starts (3-1-0).

“It’s huge to have a goalie like that playing on the level he is,” Barkov said of his goaltender.

“It’s amazing. We’re really confident playing in front of him.”

But the humble captain has been no slouch himself. 

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Barkov’s Return Solidifies Top Line

Since coming back from his hand injury, Barkov has one goal (a game-winner) and two assists in two games. But more importantly, he’s brought stability back to the top line.

Barkov has always been known for his strong two-way play. And that his style has been quite infectious with his new linemates. 

The top line of Barkov, Anthony Duclair, and Eetu Luostarinen has been a dominant two-way force.

In the game against the Golden Knights, Barkov’s line controlled over 80% of shot attempts.

According to natural stat trick, the trio, at even strength, led 17-3 in shot attempts and 12-0 in scoring chances.

It’s still early but this looks to be a huge boost considering the experiment of Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Anton Lundell fizzled out fairly quickly.

Depth Players Stepping Up

And it wouldn’t be a team effort without the help of your supporting cast. In particular, the recent play of Ryan Lomberg.

Lomberg, who scored the opening goal in the win against Vegas, has elevated his game to another level this last month.

The speedy forward has been playing with some extra tenacity and his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

“I think he has a lot of potential. He’s not just a grinder,” Barkov said of Lomberg.

“He can make pretty sick plays. Every practice, every game, you see something from him that’s like, ‘Wow!’”

Lomberg isn’t one to fill the stat sheet, although, as Barkov mentioned, he has the potential to, he contributes in other ways.

Lomberg and his linemates often find themselves playing in the opponent’s end, eating up minutes. This provides a necessary breather for the top-line guys and the defence. It may seem small but it goes a long way in a 60-minute game.

His upstart play has seen him be rewarded with a promotion to the third line and playing some extra minutes. Since the beginning of February, Lomberg’s average ice time has jumped four minutes a night.

The Journey Continues

It’s been a collective effort from the club as they try to return to the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

There is still plenty of work that needs to be done but as long as the belief is in the dressing room, the playoffs seem like an inevitable destination for the Florida Panthers.