Florida Panthers Sweep California Road Trip

The California road trip was a crucial stretch in order to get us into a playoff position. The Florida Panthers were in for some big games, but got the job done in result.

San Jose, Anaheim, and Los Angeles were the three teams that the Florida Panthers beat on the California road trip. Everyone knew that theses games were going to be tough and end in a battle. Nevertheless, the Cats fought hard in each game and were rewarded with two points in result.

Starting with San Jose, this particular game ended up being a roller coaster. The Cats found themselves blowing a couple two goal leads in the process. Offensively, the game was a goal fest, but defensively, it was a defensive nightmare. The Panthers fought hard through adversity in this one and were rewarded with an overtime goal by yours truly

Jonathan Huberdeau

. Lets relive the moment of Huberdeau’s goal down below.

Next up, the Cats took on the Anaheim Ducks. As we all know, this game was a rematch from the last time these two teams play. The result of that game was a 2-1 win for our Cats. It was Huberdeau and Barkov’s first game back from their respective injuries. We expected this game to be an even tighter game then before, however, the Panthers completely blew the Ducks right out of the water, punishing them 4-1 on their mistakes.

It was the unusual scorers who ended up putting points on the board. Apart from

, and

were the ones who stepped up and put the puck in the net. Its good to have other guys step in and get the job done for you. Having balance scoring is crucial in this league and also takes the burden off our usual point producers. The goal of the night easily goes to Jagr. Down below is the clip of Jagr stripping the puck off of

Josh Manson

and dangling

Gibson

in the process.

The Cats ended the California road trip against the Kings, and found themselves battling hard for the two points. Huberdeau and Jokinen each resepectively scored to give the Cats a 2-0 lead. Five minutes after Jokinen’s goal, Dwight King cut the lead down to one. The goal was upon review, but the goal stood and the Kings were down by one. Ten minutes left in the third saw the Kings tie the game at two goals a piece. The period couldn’t have gotten any worse for the Cats as they blew yet another lead on this road trip.

After a regroup during intermission, Barkov and the Cats came storming out in the third. Fifteen seconds into the period, Barkov scored and took the lead for the Panthers. The goal ended up being the decisive goal, which led to another Panther win. In result of the win, the Panthers swept the California road trip and found themselves third in the Atlantic division. It’s been the first time this year, that we’ve seen the Panthers in a playoff position.

More from The Rat Trick

The Florida Panthers are back at it on Monday, to take on the St. Louis Blues. This game will be the last of the current road trip. Another two points are on the line for the Panthers, as they look to climb the standings even further.

Home/Panthers News