Ed Jovanovski #55 of the Florida Panthers handles the puck against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on April 5, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Capitals won the game 4-2.

Panthers vs. Devils, Game 1 (7 p.m. Friday; FSNF, NHL NETWORK)

Florida Panthers’ defense develops into key unit

Florida’s offseason additions of Brian Campbell and Ed Jovanovski have bolstered a defense that was already strong.

Florida Panthers fans cheer in the third period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on April 7, 2012.

Panthers | Playoff information

It’s been a while, so here is a primer for the Florida Panthers’ postseason

The Panthers are preparing for their first playoff game in 12 years Friday, but all the information you need to be ready for the playoffs is right here.

Florida Panthers

Healthy Florida Panthers roster means plenty of options

The Panthers’ injuries have mended, giving coach Kevin Dineen a surplus of available players for the playoffs.

Florida Panthers

Patience no virtue for Florida Panthers

After waiting more than a decade to reach the playoffs, the Panthers are ready to start the postseason.

Panthers

Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils will get more familiar

Entering their playoff matchup, Florida’s Scott Clemmensen and John Madden and New Jersey coach Pete DeBoer have ties to both franchises. Photo Gallery Available

The Florida Panthers celebrate their win after game with the Carolina Hurricanes at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on April 7, 2012.

Sunday focus | Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers in hockey heaven after ending playoff drought

The Panthers put an end to an NHL-record playoff drought that began after their appearance in 2000. And now, it’s party time.

Stephen Weiss hugs Chris Verstegg in the third period after the Panthers' fourth goal in a game with the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on April 7, 2012.

Panthers 4, Hurricanes 1

Florida Panthers defeat Carolina Hurricanes, win the division

After beating Carolina, Florida heads into its first postseason in more than a decade as the No. 3 seed. It will face New Jersey.

Florida Panthers' Ed Jovanovski celebrates with teammates after scoring during the third period against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on April 5, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Panthers notebook

Florida Panthers aiming for division title

It’s been a long time since the Panthers raised a banner to commemorate an on-ice achievement. In fact, the last time they did it, they did so in their old arena near downtown Miami.

Florida Panthers right wing Scottie Upshall (19) and Washington Capitals defenseman Roman Hamrlik (44) tangle during first-period action at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Capitals 4, Panthers 2

Florida Panthers playoff bound despite loss to Washington Capitals

The Panthers lost to the Capitals but — with the help of a loss by the Sabres — ended their NHL record, 10-season postseason drought.

Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers need just one point to clinch playoff berth

One point over their final two games.

Florida Panthers goalie Jose Theodore (60) sits in goal after Jets second goal of the second period in the game with between the Florida Panthers and the Winnipeg Jets at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on April 3, 2012.

Jets 5, Panthers 4 (OT)

Florida Panthers squander shot at clincher with overtime loss to Winnipeg Jets

The Panthers wasted a 3-0 lead against the Jets and — coupled with a dramatic win by the Sabres — lost a chance to finally clinch a playoff berth.

Florida Panthers goalie Jose Theodore (60) lets in the Jets' fourth goal in the third period in the game with the Florida Panthers and the Winnipeg Jets at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on April 3, 2012.

IN MY OPINION

Odds still favor Florida Panthers, but what a lost opportunity

Four thousand three hundred and sixty-eight or, if you prefer: 4,368. No matter how it is written, seen or said, it has been that many days now — just shy of 12 full years — since the Florida Panthers last appeared in an NHL postseason game April 20, 2000. Tuesday night’s happened to be exactly the 900th franchise game since the last one in the Stanley Cup playoffs (not that anyone’s counting).

panthers

Goalies key to success for Florida Panthers

The Panthers are close to ending their decade-long playoff drought, and much of it has to do with their ace goaltending.

Red Wings 2, Panthers 1 (SO)

Florida Panthers fall to Detroit Red Wings but pick up crucial point

The Panthers lost in a shootout to the Red Wings but moved to the brink of clinching a berth in the playoffs. Photo Gallery Available

Minnesota Wild defenseman Nate Prosser (39) falls to the ice protecting the goal against Florida Panthers right wing Scottie Upshall (19) and center Stephen Weiss (9) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 29, 2012, in St. Paul, Minn. The Wild won 3-2 in overtime.

Panthers notebook

A day off before final week for Florida Panthers

Forget, forget, forget. That’s the Panthers’ mantra these days after losing five of their past six games. Of course, that’s much easier to do in theory than in reality.