• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Panthers continue unlikely playoff drive

Mar 13, 2007 - 2:43 PM Florida (29-27-13) at Carolina (34-28-8) 7:00 pm EDT

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Ed Belfour has provided a steady influence in the stretch drive for the Florida Panthers.

A two-time Vezina Trophy winner, Belfour is expected to be in goal for the Panthers, who continue their push for the postseason in Tuesday's encounter with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The league's third-winningest goaltender, Belfour has made 20 consecutive starts, posting a 12-5-3 mark during that stretch to help bring the Panthers to within five points of the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Belfour has matched his victory total from last season (22) and can help guide Florida to its 30th win for the second time since 2000-2001.

One reason for the Panthers' improved play is the line of Martin Gelinas, Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton, which has combined for 15 goals and 16 assists in the last 10 outings.

The Panthers raised their home mark to 6-0-1 in their last seven home contests with Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

Looking to avoid missing the playoffs as the reigning Stanley Cup champions, Carolina is 7-1-2 in its last 10 outings and is tied with the New York Rangers for the final playoff spot in the East.

The Hurricanes dropped their fifth shootout in as many chances this season with Sunday's 2-1 loss against the Rangers. Justin Williams scored for the second straight game and has three tallies and one assist against Florida this season.

Carolina has taken four of the five meetings this season and is 12-2-1 against the Panthers in the last 15 matchups.