Three teams have returned from these extra long two week breaks in the past three days and two of the three have lost. None of the teams have scored more than 2 goals either. Panthers are different, so I expect them to be able to score but I still think that gives the Canes an advantage. Canes have lost 3 of 4 but they were playing good teams on the road. They are 16-4-1 at home this season while the Panthers are just 9-7-5 on the road. Panthers have won each of the first two matchups, but the Canes were 6-2 straight up against the Panthers last season. Take the Canes at home.

The Panthers aren't underdogs very often, but my model likes them at this number Wednesday in a potential Eastern Conference playoff preview as 51 percent of simulations have Florida winning. The Panthers are 8-1 in their last nine vs. teams with a winning record.

This is a tough spot for the Panthers. Florida hasn't played since Feb. 1, and the Panthers are much better at home. Their high-powered offense relies on continuity. Carolina is probably the toughest team to play off a long layoff, thanks to a suffocating defense. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 3 in face-off win percentage, while the Panthers are ranked No. 31 this season. Back the home team Tuesday.