from Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel,

As the Stanley Cup playoffs proceed without the Panthers for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons, big decisions are looming for the franchise regarding who to select at No. 1 in the NHL Entry Draft in late June as well as which free-agent difference-makers to pursue beginning on July 1.

But first things first. Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon and co-owners Vinnie Viola and Doug Cifu must decide whether or not to remove the interim tag from coach Peter Horachek or begin a coaching search to find the right fit for a young team.

Tallon said that decision will be made in early May at organizational meetings after he returns from Finland where he's scouting prospects in the International Hockey Men's Under-18 World Championship.

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