Florida Panthers drop three-game losing skid, beat Capitals 4-1

The Florida Panthers were heading into this game with minimal confidence after losing their last three games. Would tonight’s game be different?

The Panthers, like last game, got off to a tremendous start by scoring a minute and a half into the opening period. From behind the net, Jared McCann stripped the puck from Madison Bowey and immediately sent off a pass to Connor Brickley. From there, Brickley slotted home the game’s opening goal:

As the game went on, both the Cats and Capitals each exchanged high-quality scoring chances at both ends. At one point in the first period, the Caps were outshooting the Panthers 19-1 and it was starting to look like a shooting gallery in the Panthers end.

However, despite all the shots and chances that Washington seemed to create, they remained scoreless. Although, the Panthers wouldn’t!

With thirty seconds left in the first, Evgeni Dadonov skated around Tom Wilson and buried a shot top-corner, to give his side a 2-0 lead:

Dadonov’s goal would take the Panthers into the locker room 2-0 up on the nation’s capital.

For much of the second period, the Panthers defense was starting to play like their usual selves. Sloppy passes, players left unmarked and pucks not getting out were all signs that were occurring during the second.

The Cats would receive a break on the power play, as Vinnie Trocheck sniped one top-shelf to extend the Panthers lead at three:

The Cats looked as if they would head into the locker room three goals up. Needless to say, Christian Djoos of the Washington Capitals spoiled the party and broke James Reimer’s shutout. His goal would cut the lead down to two.

With the third period underway, the Capitals began to pour pressure down deep in Panthers territory. The Caps received some gorgeous opportunities right in Reimer’s crease. With some puck luck on the Panthers side, those chances stayed out.

The final period would remain scoreless up until the final minute. Defending a 6 on 3 (Yes, you heard me correctly), Aleksander Barkov backhanded a puck all the way from his own end and into the opponent’s goal. The goal would mark Barkov’s second of the year and the Cats 4th of the game:

The game would end in favor of the Panthers (4-1) and would signal an end to their three-game losing skid.

Overall, the Florida Panthers played well from start to finish and deserved the win. At times, the defense certainly struggled in their own zone, but it should only get better as the season progresses. Your Cats head into Montreal on Tuesday, Oct 24th to take on the struggling Canadiens. Puck drop is @ 7:30 pm folks!