The Florida Panthers have been one of the best teams in the NHL this season and on Sunday, they became the first team to officially clinch a playoff berth with their 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres. In the win, Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau set the franchise record, recording his 97th point this season on a second period goal.

He surpassed teammate Alexander Barkov, who previously set the franchise mark in 2018-2019. Huberdeau has 24 goals and 73 assists this season. His 73 assists are the most in the NHL, while his point total ranks him third in the league behind only Edmonton Oilers teammates Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

With the win Sunday, the Panthers improved to 48-15-6, for 102 points. Florida leads the Atlantic Division by nine points ahead of the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Florida has checked off one goal by earning a playoff spot. But they obviously have their sights set on something bigger, as NHL.com correspondent Heather Engel noted.

“They should be proud of themselves,” Florida coach Andrew Brunette said. “I think that's the No. 1 goal heading into the season, and we have one of them. Lots of hockey left, but let's enjoy the moment.”

Article Continues Below
More Florida Panthers News
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates his 200th career NHL goal with the Penguins bench against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.
2 best trade destinations for Penguins’ Erik KarlssonTristin McKinstry ·
Eetu Luostarinen and Smitry Kulikov on the outsides, mystery player in the middle. Panthers logo in the background.
3 players Panthers must trade in 2025 NHL offseasonBryan Logan ·
Florida Panthers fans celebrate in front of the stage during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally.
Panthers take shot at haters amid packed Stanley Cup paradeChristopher Hennessy ·
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) reacts during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally.
Sam Bennett’s NSFW ‘apology’ to haters at Panthers championship paradeSteve Silverman ·
Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) reacts while speaking to the fans during the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally.
Panthers’ Sam Reinhart channels DJ Khaled after missing parade in 2024Christopher Hennessy ·
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, presents Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) the Conn Smythe Trophy after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Sam Bennett’s contract status after viral Panthers declarationChristopher Hennessy ·

The Panthers have never won a Stanley Cup, nor have they ever reached the finals. This year, they seem to have what it takes. They did not stand pat at the trade deadline either. Florida traded for arguably the biggest prize in the free agent market in Claude Giroux.

Florida is two points behind the Colorado Avalanche for best record and the President's Trophy. That would be another first were the Panthers able to accomplish that.