Panthers first NHL team to clinch playoff spot, plus a Claude Giroux review

As of this writing, the mighty Colorado Avalanche lead the NHL with 104 standings points. However, the Florida Panthers clinched a playoff spot before any NHL team this season after reaching 102 points and beating the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.

With the Panthers clinching a playoff spot, this seems like a good time to review Claude Giroux seven games into his run with the team, ponder where Florida’s at, and more.

Remarkably, the Panthers could end up winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Again, the Avalanche boast the advantage (104 points in 69 games, and 46 regulation/OT wins). It would only take mild slippage for Florida to leap over them, though, as the Panthers sit at 102 points in the same games played (69 GP, 45 ROW).

If I had to guess, I’d say the Panthers care more about gaining home-ice advantage in the Eastern Conference, and in their Atlantic Division bracket.

With the Hurricanes stumbling (relatively speaking) at 4-3-3 in their last 10 games, the Panthers gained a nice buffer for home-ice in their conference. As of this writing, this is how the Panthers’ record compares to that of the Hurricanes, as well as the rest of the Atlantic’s top four:

Panthers: 102 points in 69 games played, 45 ROW

Hurricanes: 98 points in 69 GP, 44 ROW

Maple Leafs: 93 points in 68 GP, 42 ROWLightning: 93 points in 68 GP, 41 ROWBruins: 91 points in 68 GP, 41 ROW

Really, the Panthers could improve their odds of a deeper playoff run in two significant ways.

Really, that’s the scary part for teams with a lot on the line, like the Panthers. While the Maple Leafs face the pressure of running out of patience, the Panthers burned through first-rounders at the trade deadline. As much as this team seems viable for multiple pushes, a first-round