For the first time in several years, the Florida Panthers head into the NHL All Star break with a solid chance of making the post season. In the 7 seasons since their last playoff appearance (2000), the Panthers have had at best a sliver of hope to make the playoffs, not this year though. Heading into the break, the Panthers sit 1pt out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and have 36 games left this season to solidify a playoff spot.

The Panthers have come a long way not only since 2000, but have also improved their fortunes since the early part of this season. After their November 8th loss to Phoenix, the Panthers were (points wise) the worst team in the NHL with 9pts through 13 games. Since then however the Panthers have turned their fortunes around. The team set a franchise record with 7 wins in December, and scored 27 goals in 5 games to start 2009.

So what do the Panthers need to continue doing right and what must they improve on to make the playoffs? A few simple things can help ensure a trip to the post-season for the first time since 2000.

1. Player accountability has been a big part of the Panthers turnaround this year. Under new head coach Peter DeBoer nobody is immune to benching if they aren’t performing. Tomas Vokoun in particular was one player who didn’t appear to be as sharp as possible when the season began, so to the bench he went. In his place Craig Anderson pushed him for the starting position in the Florida net and was 5-1-2 during Florida’s hot streak in December. Vokoun however has returned as the starter and been very impressive. Each and every player giving their all down the stretch will be important if the Panthers want to make the playoffs.

2. The Panthers must get better at finishing games. The Panthers have been very good this season at coming from behind and forcing overtime late in games, however overtime and shoot outs have been a major downfall for the Panthers so far and cost them a lot of points in the standings. So far the Panthers have lost 6 times in a shootout and only won 2 times in overtime. Picking up full points in these situations will be vital to getting Florida into the playoffs.

3. Most importantly for the Panthers, the team just needs to stay healthy. Almost every big name player on the team has spent a week or more on the injured list this season. At one point earlier this season the Panthers had 5 forwards on the injured list, but nonetheless launched themselves into a hot streak with the help of every player on the team stepping up to fill the void. The Panthers aren’t likely to be able to survive if they tempt fate twice though. Losing a key player at some point down the stretch could prove costly in a tight playoff race.

Make no mistake, your Panthers have a great chance of making the NHL playoffs this season. The team has played very good hockey to this point, but if they want to end their playoff drought they’ll need step their play up another notch.