The Miami Marlins open their season Monday in Washington with all the optimism Opening Day brings.
The Florida Panthers, meanwhile, kick off something different Monday as their game against the visiting Montreal Canadiens marks the start of the final week of a disappointing season which mercifully ends Sunday, coincidentally, in Washington.
Although the Marlins head into Monday with a clean slate, the Panthers are simply looking to try and play with pride and finish things up strong.
Maybe.
Since rolling Chicago 7-0 at BB&T Center on March 25, Florida went 0-4 in a road trip in which it was outscored 18-8 — including 11-4 in the final two games.