"Panthers coach Kevin Dineen was hoping his well-rested team would, "get their swag," back after the All-Star break, particularly with the first game a battle for Southeast Division supremacy against the Washington Capitals.

Before the break, the Panthers had lost five of their last six and 11 of 15 games. That's why they awoke Wednesday in ninth place of the Eastern Conference, out of the playoffs for the first time in months.

So far, mission accomplished as Mikael Samuelsson scored two goals and Scott Clemmensen shined in the net to lead the Panthers to a 4-2 victory in the BankAtlantic Center. Their first regulation victory since Jan. 9 also allowed the Panthers to reclaim first place of their division and third in the conference."