Apr 16, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen (30) makes a save against the New York Islanders during the third period of an NHL game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Panthers ended the season on a high note with a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nick Bjugstad recorded his first NHL point, a goal in the first period, as did Eric Selleck who tallied an assist in the third period.

Tomas Fleischmann scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season and Scottie Upshall and Marcel Goc also tallied. Jonathan Huberdeau had three assists to take a commanding three point lead in the NHL rookie scoring race.

Jacob Markstrom picked up the win stopping 28 out of 31 shots. With the win the Panthers finish their season with 36 points and a 15-27-6 record. Look for a full wrap tomorrow as well as all sorts of end-of-season recaps.

Mar 26, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell (51) tries to skate out with the puck with defenseman Tyson Strachan (23) following against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Panthers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve on the NHL trade deadline, the Florida Panthers travel to Tampa Bay to face their in state rival lightning. This could be the last game for this version of the Panthers as it is a pretty safe bet that we will see some new faces coming in at the trade deadline. This means it could be the last game in a Panther uniform for a number of players who could potentially be moved at the deadline.

Trade talk aside, the Florida Panthers have been playing much better of late. Despite remaining in last place in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers have won four of their last seven games which is impressive when you consider that the Panthers have only won eleven games all season.

In their last game, the Panthers exacted revenge on the New Jersey Devils in thrilling fashion. The Devils, who were making their first appearance in South Florida since knocking the Panthers out of the playoffs there last year, saw their 2-1 lead disappear in the final second of the third period when a red hot Shawn Matthias put in his second goal of the game sending the game into overtime. Dmitry Kulikov sealed the Panthers first overtime victory of the season when he beat Martin Brodeur with help from a brilliant feed by Brian Campbell.

Tonight against the Lightning, the Panthers will have a chance for their first three game winning streak of the season. In order to do so they will have to defeat a Lightning team that they have not beaten in three tries so far this season going 0-2-1. The Lightning are coming off two wins of their own and currently occupy the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference only three points ahead of the Panthers. The Lighting are lead by their superstar Steven Stamkos whose 25 goals lead the NHL.

Enjoy the game tonight.

Mar 12, 2013; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom (35) makes a stick save as Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Teddy Purcell (16) and center Steven Stamkos (91) battle with Panthers right wing Peter Mueller (88) in the first period at the BB

• This one hurts. Not only do the Panthers fall to 0-2-1 against their in-state rivals, but they also miss an opportunity to get out of last place in the Eastern Conference.
• This one really hurts. You are not supposed to lose games when you out shoot your opponent 39-13. The Panthers held the Lightning to six shots through the first two periods. Six shots!
• Rough starts: Can somebody make sure Jacob Markstrom knows when these games are starting? The Lightning scored 1:36 into the game on their first shot on net. Thats three out of the last four games that the opposition have scored on the first shot. Florida has gone down 1-0 within the first three minutes of their past four games, all losses.
• Special teams proved to be the difference in the game tonight. The Panthers went 0-4 with the man advantage while the Bolts went 1-2. The power play goal was scored in the third period by none other than Steven Stamkos. Stamkos let loose a shot from the goal line that deflected off Markstrom and found a way into the back of the net.
• The Panthers dominated the Lightning everywhere except for on the scoreboard. While Florida out shot the Lightning 17-3 in the first period, it was Tampa who had the 2-0 lead. Jacob Markstrom had a rough first period making one lonely save in the opening frame.
• Kris Versteeg looked to have hurt his knee in the third period. This is not good for the Panthers as Versteeg was playing in only his third game back from injury. Versteeg scored his second goal of the season tonight and his line, Versteeg-Goc-Fleischmann, was buzzing all night. If Versteeg goes down for an extended amount of time, it could hurt the Panthers attempts feature him in a trade. Versteeg has been rumored to be one of the key players the Panthers may try to move at the deadline.
• Anders Lindback won the battle of the 6’6″ Swedish goaltenders. If the Lightning and Panthers have their way, this will not be the last matchup between Lindback and Jacob Markstrom. Both teams expect their Swede to be their goalie of the future.
• The Big three were out in full force tonight for the Lightning. Tampa Bay received goals from Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. St. Louis also had two assists while Lecavalier had an assist as well.
• Things don’t get any easier for the Panthers as they travel to Boston for a Thursday night game against the Bruins. The loss gave Florida an 0-2-1 record over their now defunct three game home stand.