from George Richards of the Miami Herald,

Sure, the Panthers have 33 games remaining in this season, but Monday was all but a must-win if this team hopes to make a serious run at the playoffs.

Looking at Erik Gudbranson in the hushed visitors’ locker room at Madison Square Garden, slumped over in his stall in full dress, told the story of how this one didn’t go as planned.

No, the Panthers didn’t get a win they desperately needed Monday as the Rangers scored three in the third period for a 6-3 win.

Florida has lost seven of its past eight games as that postseason light continues to dim. The Rangers now lead the Panthers in the playoff race by 10 points....

“It doesn’t feel like the end of the year,” said Dave Bolland, who had a goal and an assist.

“It’s no fun losing, but it’s not the end of the year. There’s always another game. We have another one [Tuesday], and we’ll be ready to play.”

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