The Florida Panthers could make history this season. Just not for the right reasons.
The woeful franchise has continued to struggle during the 2013-14 campaign, owning the second-worst record in the NHL entering the regular season’s final week.
The Panthers made a move to improve last month when they acquired high-profile goaltender Roberto Luongo just before the trade deadline, but judging by their offensive output this season, they might need to look for help elsewhere.
With three games left on their schedule, the Panthers do not have a single player on the roster with more than 36 points.
The current record for fewest points by a team-leading scorer in an 82-game season is 39, set by Scott Pellerin of the expansion Minnesota Wild in 2000-01.
Florida’s best hope of surpassing Pellerin’s dubious mark rests with winger Scottie Upshall, who leads the team with 36 points on 15 goals and 21 assists. Upshall will need at least three points over the team’s final three games to stay out of the record books.
Defenseman Brian Campbell and center Nick Bjugstad (35 points apiece) also have outside shots at reaching the 40-point plateau, as does winger Brad Boyes (34).
At the very least, it will give Panthers fans something to root for in an otherwise bleak season.
