After answering challenges from their two main competitors, the Florida Panthers are back in control of the Atlantic Division.
Beginning with Tuesday night's matchup with the last-place Toronto Maple Leafs, they'll face a seemingly easier path over the remainder of the regular season.
Florida (42-24-9) briefly regained sole possession of first place with Saturday's 5-2 win at Tampa Bay, two days after it routed fellow Atlantic contender Boston 4-1 as part of a daunting three-game trip. Though the Lightning pulled back even in the standings with Monday's 3-0 win over the Maple Leafs, the Panthers own a game in hand on their in-state rivals.