Florida Panthers: With Season Coming to a Close, What Do the Panthers Play for?

The Florida Panthers are in the same position they've been in for the last decade, as they simply just can't win.

Another year, another disappointing product.

For over a decade, Panther fans have been saying there's always next year.

It's the same story every season, as the Panthers are always looking to next year as the long—awaited break—out year.

The team is seemingly always rebuilding and it's always sacrificing for the future. Unfortunately, tomorrow never comes and neither does next season. At some point, the Panthers have to stop sacrificing and start hoarding their talent.

This season is the exact same story. The Panthers have once again sacrificed players for a shot at rebuilding. They are once again looking to next year to prove better results.

As a team, the only thing the Panthers have to play for is a little bit of respect. They should try to end the season on a good note and give the fans a little bit of confidence for the next year that they're preparing for. However, the players have a little bit more to play for than that.

The players are trying to show the front office that they are a part of the solution. It's the last chance for every player to show that he deserves to be on the team.

For many players, that time is up. They have already proven that they shouldn't be on the team, and have already proved that they are a part of the problem. I have a feeling that the front office has an idea of who's going to go and those players won't be able to stop it.

However, the fans are still going to be left questioning. The front office is the only group of people that is confident about Florida's future. As for the fans, they are left hoping that next year is, in fact, a better year.

See more of Eric's NHL opinions at Tips for Hockey