Monday night’s clash between the Florida Panthers and the New York at Amerant Bank Arena presents a compelling mix of momentum, pride, and contrasting stakes as both teams close out the regular season on very different paths. The Florida Panthers, boasting a 47–29–4 record, have already punched their ticket to the postseason and are using these final games to both preserve player health and fine-tune their systems ahead of the playoffs. Their recent three-game winning streak, including a resilient 3-2 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres despite resting stars like Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, demonstrates their depth and readiness to compete under pressure. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to return between the pipes after being rested and has had an excellent season, registering a 33–18–2 record, a .907 save percentage, and a 2.39 goals-against average. Florida’s team structure has been solid at both ends of the ice, averaging just under three goals per game and giving up only 2.63 per contest—an indicator of their strong forechecking, positional discipline, and effective transition play. Their special teams are also functioning efficiently, with a 23.7% power play and a reliable penalty kill, bolstered by key contributors like Matthew Tkachuk and Gustav Forsling. In contrast, the New York enter the game with a disappointing 37–36–7 record, having officially been eliminated from playoff contention following a 7–3 blowout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

It’s a dramatic fall from grace after capturing the Presidents’ Trophy last season, and questions surrounding roster depth, defensive consistency, and systemic cohesion have persisted throughout the year. Despite the struggles, Artemi Panarin has remained a steady offensive presence, leading the team with 37 goals and 89 points, while Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad have each contributed moments of veteran leadership, albeit inconsistently. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin has faced an immense workload and leads the NHL in total saves but hasn’t had the same dominant numbers as in past years, sitting at 26–29–5 with a 2.91 GAA and a .904 save percentage—statistics that reflect not just his form, but the shortcomings of the defensive group in front of him. The Rangers average 3.06 goals per game but give up 3.13, and their special teams, particularly a 17.9% power play, have lacked the punch needed in key moments. Facing the Panthers on the road, where Florida has been dominant all season, poses a significant challenge, particularly as the Rangers attempt to salvage dignity and close their season with some level of optimism. With the Panthers likely to reinsert some of their rested starters and play with playoff sharpness, New York’s hopes may rest on an inspired goaltending performance and opportunistic scoring. The game may not hold postseason implications for the visitors, but for the Panthers, it’s another chance to reinforce winning habits, protect home ice, and enter the playoffs firing on all cylinders. The matchup offers high-end skill, goaltending intrigue, and a contrast in motivation that should make for a fast-paced and entertaining close to the regular-season schedule.