SUNRISE, Fla. — The Panthers were hoping to take back a win against the Devils after that 4-1 lose earlier this week.

But that was not the case — as New Jersey heads out of South Florida with back to back wins with a 6-2 victory.

Although it wasn’t the result they were looking for, the Panthers luckily have a long season ahead of them.

“Obviously we have not been happy about our last two games, especially tonight’s game. So obviously move on, learn from it and move on,” said Aleksander Barkov.

“Like we worked for those and they got it so obviously it sucks for us but they needed it so, forget and move on I guess,” said Jesper Boqvist.

It’ll be a tough schedule ahead — as the Panthers will have back to back games against Winnipeg — and the Devils and Florida will have one more game in the regular season, but not till Jan. 14.

So hopefully then the Panthers will get that much needed payback.

FEMA’s disaster of its own making keeps getting worse.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is suing current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, claiming they “conspired to interfere with the civil rights of Trump voters” in the state by withholding aid in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The bombshell lawsuit follows alarming revelations its workers were given orders to avoid dozens of homes of Trump supporters in Lake Placid in a shocking display of political favoritism.

The scandal came to light after FEMA fired agency supervisor Marn’i Washington, who later claimed that systemic discrimination at the disaster relief agency was “colossal” both in Florida and beyond and alleged she’s been made a “scapegoat” by the agency.

“Hurricane season is not over, and the federal agency in charge of emergency response is embroiled in scandal – caught withholding aid from storm victims in Florida who support President Trump,” Moody said in a press release announcing the suits.

“I am taking swift legal action to find out how far this political discrimination reaches and to make sure all Americans who fall victim to devastating storms are served, regardless of their political affiliation.”

Highlands County, where Lake Placid is located, went 70% for President-elect Trump in the election.

A FEMA official backed up Washington’s claims, telling The Post the agency’s practice of skipping Trump-supporting houses — or avoiding “white or conservative-dominated” disaster zones altogether — is an open secret at the agency that has been going on for years.

In her announcement of Washington’s termination, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell, who is named as a litigant in the legal action, called the directive to skip homes based on political affiliation violated the agency’s “core values and principles,” and vowed to do everything she could to ensure it never happens again.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, incensed by FEMA playing politics with disaster victims in the state, also blasted the federal agency in announcing his support for the legal action.

“It’s unacceptable for the federal government to discriminate against Floridians who voted for Trump, and especially egregious in the aftermath of a hurricane,” the governor said in a press release.

“I’m supportive of this legal action by the Attorney General’s Office, and I have instructed state agencies to likewise take any action necessary to investigate and ensure those who engaged in this behavior are held accountable.”

Congressional Republicans said they plan to launch multiple investigations into whether FEMA abdicated its duty to the American people.

“This will be investigated,” promised North Carolina GOP Sen. Ted Budd on Tuesday in an X post.

“Anyone who abuses the power of the federal government to hurt North Carolinians in need will be held accountable,” Budd added. “I will personally see to it.”

AG Moody’s complaint outlines what the office calls “the terrible facts of the civil rights violations” in the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in September and October.

The legal document names both Washington and Criswell, and is seeking both nominal and punitive damages on behalf of affected Florida homeowners, includin legal fees.

A FEMA spokesperson told the Post Thursday that the agency “does not comment on pending litigation” and included a link to the agency’s website on employee conduct.

Both LSU (6-3) and the Florida Gators (4-5) look worse for wear. After each suffered humiliating losses, the two SEC teams must rebound quickly. The game on Saturday means more to Florida. With three games remaining, they need two wins for bowl eligibility.

 A win in The Swamp against a reeling LSU team is critical for the Gators to earn a bowl invite. For the Tigers, while they will make a bowl game, the level they became accustomed to will fall short. With three losses, the Tigers’ college playoff hopes dissipated into Baton Rouge night. 

Now, with so much on the line, how does Florida attack LSU’s defense? 

Feed Baugh

LSU’s defense crumbles against the run. In fact, they rank 74th in FBS against the run at 150.8 yards-per-game, which screams for a steady number of carries for Jadan Baugh. Now, it’s his time to start taking over and splitting carries is not the way. 

Allowing Baugh to punish the Tigers benefits the offense. With DJ Lagway’s availability up in the air, why not alleviate the stress on the quarterback by force-feeding the running back. LSU tires and you will see arm tackles and lazy attempts that will open creases and daylight. Even using Baugh in a wildcat formation could work. Billy Napier mentioned it during media availability. 

“Look, it’s a wrinkle.  It worked Saturday,” said Napier. “ You know, obviously each week is a little bit different depending on who is available for the game.  We got some of that built. Built some systems for that.  Always available.”

Find Swinton Often

Without a doubt, Bradyn Swinton plays like LSU’s best defender, or at least their most productive. Instead of purposefully veering away from him, Florida needs to run directly at him. First, it shows a fearlessness that also displays confidence in the run game to take anyone on, regardless of stats or hype. 

Next, it forces anyone else to make the play. This is not your uncle’s LSU defense, stocked with first-round picks. Furthermore, on passing downs, let Swinton through on screens as he will over pursue, allowing the back to build steam while running to daylight.

Air It Out

As mentioned, this is not a typical LSU defense. DBU looks like a boarded-up school on the side of the highway. This incarnation looks active but lacks the ball skills of their predecessors. As a result, letting a vertical route go will not bite the Gators. With all of the speed that Florida can still deploy, let the horses run. Make LSU play full-field defense. It prevents camping and sitting on routes. Fortune favors the bold and the vertical passing game holds the ticket.

Bottom Line

Granted, LSU remains a Top 25 team. Yet, that defense routinely fails to show up when it matters most. Plus, the deflating loss to Alabama could see the team spiral downward. With nothing presumably to play for in regards to a playoff spot, you could see a defensive letdown. 

Teams fold when a season goal falls through. Florida, with a bowl invite within reach, needs to play the last three games with their hair on fire.