The Kitties Come to Town.

Tonight, the Canes play a pivotal game against the Florida Panthers. Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot and only 1 point separates the two from each other. As of right now, Florida is in the playoffs, and Carolina is playing golf, but with the two teams playing each other, this is one of those ever important "4 point games."

The Canes can either build a 1 point lead over Florida or they can make it a 3 point deficit. Either way, Florida still has a game in hand when it is all said and done. If each team plays to the exact same record from here on out, Florida will play one extra that could put them over Carolina, possibly booting them out of the playoffs.

Malts:

1 very well rested Carolina team, who hasn't played since Saturday, that's coming off an upset against San Jose and a schelacking of Phoenix. The Canes have won 6 out of the last 8.

1 rested Florida team who came off a 5-4 comeback win over Toronto on Tuesday. The Panthers have won 5 out of the last 8.

Hops:

Carolina: Right now, it's Ruutu and Samsonov. They have a combined 9 points in the last 2 games.

Florida: Nathan Horton has 13 points in 13 games, and Stephen Weiss has 8 in 6 games.

Trub:

Carolina: I'll say Rod Brind'Amour. He sat out the past two games and the Canes played great. Last year at this time when Brindy was out, the Canes stepped up for the most part. I don't like calling out the Capn' but his play this year has not been up to par for him and with the Canes playing better without him, it may be time to pass the C on next season.

Florida: Not really anyone of impact.

The Final Product:

This is going to be a tight one. The teams have split the last 8 meetings they've had. Before that Carolina dominated Florida by winning 10 out of 11 meetings. I'm going to say that the Canes buckle my expectations and come out with intensity that they showed on their recent road trip. 3-2 Canes.