Florida’s 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday afternoon was full of storylines. Jonathan Huberdeau set a single-season record for most points in Florida Panthers history. And yes, the Florida Panthers are the first team to clinch a spot in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. It will be only the eighth time in their 29-year history in which Florida is headed to the playoffs.
First Frame
As the first period kicked off, not a whole lot of action was brewing but the Sabres seemed to be keeping up with Florida’s offensive pace. Buffalo broke the ice 18 minutes in with a wrist shot from the point by Kyle Okposo, his 18th goal of the season.
Second Frame
The Panthers were very productive in the second period. Six minutes into the second window, Jonathan Huberdeau scored a wrist shot goal, making it his 24th of the season. With that tally, Huberdeau set a single-season franchise record with 97 points in 69 games.
Fast forward a couple of minutes, Buffalo looked really sloppy in their own end with turnovers and even penalties. With the sloppy performance by the Sabres, the Panthers take advantage in the offensive zone by winning a draw and getting shots on net with a good result. Anton Lundell netted his 15th goal of the season, giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Not long after Lundell’s goal, Anthony Duclair scored a wrist shot goal, his 27th of the season. The Panthers ended the second on a very strong note, scoring three goals and producing many opportunities.
Third Frame
Buffalo needed an answer coming into the third frame, being down 3-1. Meanwhile, Florida had to keep their foot on the gas pedal in order to secure the victory.
Just 57 seconds into the third, Anthony Duclair scored his second goal of the night and 28th of the season to give the Panthers a commanding 4-1 lead in the final frame.
Things were not looking good for the Sabres, especially with little time to spare. Luckily, Buffalo would go on a much-needed power play to give them a little life in this one. Jeff Skinner cut Buffalo’s margin to two games with 12:00 to go. Florida would commit another penalty late, with a trip on Peyton Krebs. Buffalo make this a game, converting on the power play thanks to the red-hot Tage Thompson, cutting the deficit to just one goal with half a period left.
However, MacKenzie Weegar put the icing on the cake, scoring his seventh goal of the year. The Panthers would hang on and pick up the 5-3 win, and clinch a berth in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
What’s Next?
The Panthers will travel back to Sunrise, Florida to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, April 5th. Puck drop will be at 7:00 PM.