Following an impressive comeback against the Minnesota Wild on Friday, the Florida Panthers were looking to extend their win streak to three, against the Ottawa Senators.
Quality backups James Reimer and Mike Condon opposed one another in a contested duel in Sunrise, however, only one goaltender would prove victorious and superior.
The match began with each sides receiving high-quality scoring opportunities; however, Condon and Reimer individually prevented the puck from entering their net with exceptional goaltending. Captain Derek MacKenzie blistered a wrister directly off the crossbar earlier on, as Florida was relentlessly pressuring Ottawa’s defense into numerous mistakes.
The Cats severely outplayed and outshot the Sens throughout the course of the first period. Regardless though, the score remained scoreless after a period of play.
Eventually, the Florida Panthers pounced quickly against the Sens, as Jonathan Huberdeau buried home a goal off a beautiful assist from Nick Bjugstad. Huberdeau’s shot would ring off the post and deflect top corner, as he gave his side a 1-0 lead:
@NBjugstad72 --> @JonnyHuby11 😍😍: pic.twitter.com/2ItjBPd0aD
— The Rat Trick (@FanSidedTheRat) December 24, 2017
But shortly after Jonathan’s goal, Mike Condon would continuously deny the determined Panthers with various dynamic glove saves. The special teams unit on the other hand would perform incredibly well within the 2nd period, as the penalty kill was shutting down the Sens top power play unit.
Despite chances being exchanged at both ends of the ice, the second period would conclude with a score line of 1-0, in favor for your Cats.
The physicality and intensity collectively rose once the third period commenced. Ottawa was consistently applying pressure offensively, thus resulting in numerous high-end scoring chances. James Reimer though, continued shielding his cage tremendously by robbing players such as Cody Ceci and Erik Karlsson endlessly.
Ultimately, James Reimer propelled Florida over the Sens by effortlessly shutting out the high-scoring, yet struggling Senators in Sunrise tonight. Huberdeau’s spectacular first period goal essentially proved to become the GWG in a particularly low-scoring affair.
Reimer’s 38 saves certainly shocked and heavily aggravated/frustrated Ottawa; as Florida’s winning streak was extended to three games heading into Christmas break.
Overall, another highly encouraging victory for the Florida Panthers, especially against a divisional rival. Your Panthers are back in action on Thursday, December 28th @ 7:30pm against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Next: Interview with defenseman Aaron Ekblad
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the fans, players, coaches, and staff at the Florida Panthers organization!