Panthers good for most points in East since All-Star break

The Florida Panthers are on a serious roll.

In fact, thanks to a shootout win over the New York Rangers Saturday, the Panthers have amassed 31 points since the All-Star break on the strength of a 15-3-1 record.

That's tops in the Eastern Conference since play resumed following the Jan. 27 event, and second only to the Nashville Predators among all teams.

Despite the run of success, the Panthers remain outside the playoff picture, although they are within reach of both Columbus and New Jersey in the race for a wild card spot and have games in hand on both.

Making up the difference won't be an easy task for the Panthers. It could come right down to the wire, making an April 8 game against Boston - a makeup game and the only one to be played on the final day of the regular season - all the more significant.

They're certainly making it interesting, at the very least.