NHL Thursday: Kings outlast Blues in wild affair

Yes, we’re still half of a season away from the NHL postseason. But the fact Florida is sniffing around the edges of the cutoff line at this point in the year is an impressive feat. After another shootout win on Thursday, the Panthers sit in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

With that much young potential, it was only a matter of time for the Panthers to turn things around. Their ultimate undoing this year will be their division; Pittsburgh, Montreal and Detroit are already ahead of them and Boston is bound to turn things around before the end of winter. But as long as they keep knocking out wins like they did to Philadelphia on Thursday, the Panthers should be in the conversation by season’s end.

Pacioretty tried to get off his knees and on his feet a couple of times but seemed to struggle. He eventually made it to the locker room with some help from team trainers, and didn’t immediately return. Stoner didn’t receive a penalty for the hit.

Here’s another look at it. While it’s not cut and dry whether Stoner’s hit was malicious or even illegal, there’s no question Pacioretty’s impact with the glass looked violent.

Or something. Honestly, I have no idea.

Schenn didn’t, so he got to experience what sitting on a bench on your face feels like.

The Leafs will have a far easier time dealing with their opponents. Carolina is mired in a terrible season plagued with injuries, and rumors are swirling that the team is close to trading some important parts. In the meantime, they must stop a Toronto team that has gone 9-1-1 since last month.

Here is the full schedule for Thursday. All times are Eastern.