The Chicago Blackhawks jumped out to a six-goal lead before hanging on to defeat the Boston Bruins by a 6-4 count in the Windy City on Sunday afternoon.
The result means the Florida Panthers have made the Stanley Cup playoffs, as they can finish no lower than third in the Atlantic Division.
The Panthers, who currently lead the division, will be making its first playoff appearance (and fifth all-time) since the 2011-12 season, when the club claimed an unlikely Southeastern Division crown before losing in seven hard-fought games to the New Jersey Devils.
Florida also made the postseason in 1996 (lost in Stanley Cup Final), 1997 (lost in first round) and 2000 (lost in first round). This year’s edition looks like it could be poised for a long run and shouldn’t be content to just be in the dance.
With four games to go, the Panthers have already set the franchise-record for most wins (44), longest winning streak (12 games) and is just one win away from establishing a new record for most points. The current record stands at 98.
This year was also the first time the club sent four representatives to the All-Star game and had five players with more than 50 points. The Cats are also currently on pace to establish a new franchise-low GAA.