"Picked to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference before the season started by most experts, the Panthers are not only in the hunt for a playoff spot, but also a division championship as well.

The Panthers went into the All-Star break with 55 points — tied with Washington for the Southeast Division lead and seventh overall in the conference. There are 34 games left. Surprised?

"I am not surprised at all,'' said Pierre McGuire of NBC Sports. "Breaking down what [GM] Dale Tallon had done by bringing in a veteran presence and stability in goal with Jose Theodore, I'm not surprised with what Florida has done. I am a little surprised at where Washington is right now.

"[Coach] Kevin Dineen has made a huge difference, as has [assistants] Craig Ramsay and Gord Murphy. And of course, Dale Tallon, as well. That team was crying out for leadership and direction. Look at what it has done for them.''

When the All-Star break ends, the Panthers could be in make-or-break mode as All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell put it on Friday. Florida opens with four divisional opponents — including two against Washington. The Capitals visit Sunrise in the first game after the break on Wednesday."