The Florida Panthers won 5-3 against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night. The Panthers continue their hunt for the playoffs, now two points in hand, but having three extra games played. Minnesota, meanwhile, continues to hang on to the third spot in the central.
Game Recap
Florida would get their chances early on with a power play. Jordan Greenway spent the entire time in the box for hooking, as Florida could not capitalize. Play would flow back and forth for the remainder of the first period, but the Cats would break through late. Off a turnover, Barkov found Lundell all alone in front of the net, for a five hole goal. At the end of one, it was 1-0 Florida.
The Panthers carried the energy into the second period. Eetu Luostarinen picked off a turnover, drove to the net, and picked up the 2-0 lead. The Cats would, however, give up a penalty later. Carter Verhaeghe earned a ticket to the box for slashing. A beautiful tic-tac-toe play on the power play saw Matt Boldy tuck it away to narrow the Panther lead to one. Later in the middle frame, Florida got their chance with a man advantage thanks to Ryan Hartman. Verhaeghe redeemed himself for his prior penalty by getting a goal on the power play. At the end of two, Florida remained ahead 3-1.
Another power play goal would come early in the third. Joel Eriksson Ek would ignite hope in the Wild’s hearts, picking up a rebound. The game was now back within one. Despite this, around three minutes later, Gustav Forsling brought a puck down out of the air, to rip it into the back of the net. Although they were down two, late in the game, Minnesota did not give up hope. With nearly a minute left, Jared Spurgeon released a powerful shot from the point. Finding a Panther along the way, the puck redirected into the back of the net. Back within one, Minnesota gave their best effort to tie. Sam Reinhart would shut that door with a final empty net goal.
FL Teams Star of the Game
In Alex Lyon’s first career start as a Panther, he collected an important victory. Lyon stopped 29 of 32 shots, while posting a .960 save percentage in even strength play. Willing Florida to the win, Lyon deserves the star of the game.
Up Next
Florida returns to the road Monday night for a two game back-to-back. The first leg comes against the New York Rangers with a puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM EST.