The new-look Florida Panthers won 4-3 over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. With the win, Florida sits atop the Eastern Conference with a game in hand over the Carolina Hurricanes. Montreal, on the other hand, is in the running of the Shane Wright sweepstakes as the worst team in the league.
Game Recap
The game got underway quickly with Jonathan Huberdeau receiving a first class ticket to the penalty box. Nine seconds into the power play and 29 seconds into the game, Nick Suzuki scored for a 1-0 Montreal lead. Seven seconds later, Barkov responded with a goal assisted by deadline additions Robert Hagg and Claude Giroux. Florida received three power plays to end the period, but they could not capitalize once. After one, Florida and Montreal were tied at one but the Panthers lead on shots 15-7.
Once again, Florida started the second period strong. The middle frame began with a Mason Marchment goal 1:12 into the period giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Jake Evans would not let the lead stay for long as he added a Habs tally roughly six minutes later. Anthony Duclair had other thoughts as over a minute later Florida was back up on top due to his 25th goal on the season. Ben Chiarot assisted the goal in his first game since being traded by Montreal, which happened to be in Montreal. A few more penalties were taken by both sides, but no power play goals were scored. The second frame ended 3-2 in favor of the Panthers.
The third period began with a Sam Bennett penalty but no Canadiens goal. Shortly after, Josh Anderson made his way into the box for a Panthers power play. In the ninth power play for either team, a man advantage goal was finally scored. It was Sam Reinhart who scored this one which was assisted by deadline headline Giroux. Down 4-2, the Habs were desperate for a goal and they found one with under four minutes remaining. Paul Byron scored to dwindle the Florida lead to one. Despite the late goal providing momentum, Montreal could not come back as the Panthers escaped with the 4-3 win.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Deadline headline Claude Giroux was certainly the star of the game. Having two assists and 17:13 minutes of ice time, the longtime Flyer turned Panther made an instant impact. Hopefully the impact Giroux had foreshadows the impact he will have on an inevitable playoff run at the end of the season.
Up Next
The Panthers will continue their time in eastern Canada on Saturday night in a game against the Ottawa Senators. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST.