Florida Panthers vs. The Atlantic: Playoff Contenders

Last week we took a look at how the Florida Panthers are doing in the Atlantic Division after so many midseason changes.

Right now, even though the Panthers look a little different, they should be a playoff team in a division that looks pretty much the same despite all the additions and subtractions by the contenders.

Florida, Tampa Bay, Boston and Toronto still appear to be the best teams in the division and should be the favorites for a playoff spot this season.

But there are eight teams in the Atlantic.

And what about the other four?

The Atlantic is certainly a tough division because of its depth, with Buffalo, Detroit, Ottawa and Montreal showing various stages of improvement in recent years.

None of these teams have made the playoffs since the NHL abolished Covid divisions in 2021.

Since the 2021-22 season, the Lightning, Panthers, Bruins and Maple Leafs are the play-off teams from the Atlantic.

Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa appear to come closest to beating the Big Four in the Atlantic, but it won’t be easy.

Of course, a fifth Atlantic team will reach the play-offs as a second wildcard.

We will see.

Which team in the Atlantic Ocean Challenger Division will take the next step this season and take down one of the heavyweights?

This is what the top of the Atlantic Ocean looks like right now:

1. Florida Panthers (1st place in 2023-24, Stanley Cup champions)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning (4th in 2023-24, lost in the first round to Florida)