Mason Marchment netted a hat-trick and Jonathan Huberdeau collected two assists as the Florida Panthers defeated the Wild in Minnesota.
First Frame
The first period was very entertaining. Florida had two penalties that would cost them: Lucas Carlsson and Radko Gudas for tripping. So, Minnesota went on the power-play early on. Seven minutes into the game, Kirill Kaprizov, who has been on fire lately, scored a power-play goal to give the Wild a much-needed early lead. It was Kaprizov’s 23rd of the season.
Not long after, Florida left winger Mason Marchment scored a wrap-around unassisted goal to tie the game at one. Exactly three minutes after, Florida took a 2-1 lead with yet another Marchment goal, this time assisted by Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell.
Thus far, through one frame, the Panthers looked really good and wanted to keep their foot on the gas pedal.
Second Frame
Heading into the second frame, the Wild would need some intermission changes and adjustments to get back into the game.
Four minutes into the period, Minnesota had the man advantage, courtesy of Carter Verhaeghe’s trip against Fredrick Gaudreau. Despite their dangerous power play unit, Minnesota did not cash in.
Around the 12 minute mark in the second period, the Panthers were attacking the Minnesota zone very well. Florida was getting shots and good looks in front of the net. Soon they would get one to fall. Anthony Duclair scored a wrist shot goal to extend the Panthers lead to two goals with a 3-1 lead halfway through the period.
Third Frame
In the third period, Minnesota came out attacking as expected.
Two minutes in, Florida went on the man advantage, and did indeed cash in. It was defenseman Aaron Ekblad who scored the power-play goal. The Panthers lead was now extended to three goals, with half a period remaining.
The Wild do go on a power play, down three goals, with 10:18 left. Minnesota did cash in, courtesy of Mats Zuccarello, his 16th of the year to cut the margin to two.
To wrap things up, Carter Verhaeghe and Mason Marchment put the icing on the cake to make the final score 6-2.
Overall, it was a very good win for Florida after being behind early on.
What’s Next?
The Panthers will head to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks on Sunday.
(Featured image – AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)