Detroit defenseman Chris Chelios, Nashville left wing Steve Sullivan and Florida right wing Richard Zednik are the finalists for the NHL award for perseverance. All three players overcame serious injuries to return to the NHL and on Thursday were listed as candidates for the Bill Masterton Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey. Chelios this season became the third person to play 25 seasons in the NHL but he missed the first 28 games of the schedule when he broke a bone in his leg while blocking a shot during the pre-season.

Stephen Weiss had a goal and an assist Thursday night, helping the Florida Panthers halt a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Toronto. Ville Peltonen and Richard Zednik also scored for the Panthers and Tomas Vokoun made 37 saves. Florida swept the four-game season series from the Maple Leafs. Florida reached 80 points for the season and is just one point out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Bryan McCabe scored a goal and added three assists for the Florida Panthers Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Washington Capitals. Stephen Weiss recorded a goal and two assists for the Panthers and goalie Craig Anderson stopped 32 shots Jassen Cullimore, Richard Zednik, Michael Frolik and Jay Bouwmeester

Richard Zednik scored the only shootout goal in the fourth round Friday night, giving the Florida Panthers a 2-1 decision over the New York Rangers. Tomas Vokoun won a tremendous goaltending duel with Henrik Lundqvist, bringing the Panthers their third straight victory and their seventh in nine games.

Richard Zednik tied the game in regulation and scored again in overtime Tuesday, boosting the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 comeback win over Toronto. The Panthers overcame a three-goal deficit in the third period. Zednik tied the score a 4-4 with 5:29 left in regulation.