"With 31 games remaining before the regular season ends April 7, Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said its way too early to call the fourth game after the All-Star break "pivotal."

But considering his team is clinging to a one-point lead in the Southeast Division and one Tuesday night loss at Washington from slipping from third to ninth in Eastern Conference, the phrase "pivotal game" Dineen said probably applies to every division game the Panthers have left."