The Florida Panthers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on Wednesday night. Florida climbs back into the win column at a 3-1-0 record. Meanwhile, Philadelphia takes their first loss of the season and are equal with the Panthers at 3-1-0.
Game Recap
Shots early and often seemed to be the memo for Florida to start the game. They had 10 shot attempts prior to the first goal by Carter Verhaeghe, a little over six minutes in. 2:32 later, Verhaeghe struck again giving the Panthers an early two goal lead. Florida would go on a power play a handful of minutes later, but could not extend to three. Following the expiration of the power play, Philadelphia’s Nick Seeler would score his first of the season, 2-1. The Flyers would have two more man advantages to end the frame due to Patric Hornqvist and Sam Reinhart’s penalties. They would not find the back of the net as the period ended 2-1 Florida.
The second period was quiet for Florida, while they took two penalties. On the second of the power plays the Broad Street Bullies evened the game at two. James van Riemsdyk was the goal scorer, cleaning up the trash in front of the net. In the second period, the Panthers had their own shot on the power play, but were unsuccessful. After two, the score was two to two.
The third period was reminiscent of the first, as Florida shot the puck early and often again. This time, the goal would come just under four minutes in, when Rudolfs Balcers tucked away a beauty of a backhand. With just under eleven minutes remaining, the cats would take another two goal lead. Josh Mahura scored from the top of the circle, in what would be the game-winning goal. Philadelphia would not be tucked away easily as they fought to the final buzzer. Including a Travis Konecky goal with under three seconds left. In the end, Florida took the win 4-3.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Carter Verhaeghe helped set the tone early for the Panthers, which helped guide them to the win. In addition to his two goals, number 23 had four shots as well as a blocked shot.
Up Next
Florida will host game one of their rivalry series this year with Tampa Bay on Friday night. Puck drop is set for 7:30 PM EST at FLA Live Arena