Florida Panthers: Cats Steamroll Past the Canadiens

Following two consecutive home losses against the potent Nashville Predators, the Florida Panthers arrived in Montreal with nearly their full squad intact, looking for a much-needed preseason victory against the woeful Montreal Canadiens.

The Florida Panthers played aggressively from the moment the puck dropped. The Cats’ persistence offensively eventually resulted in an early lead, courtesy of Russian winger Evgeni Dadonov (1-0 FLA).

Dadonov’s first of the night was assisted by Nick Bjugstad and captain Aleksander Barkov, who made a brilliant cross-ice pass for the cutting Dadonov.

The pace of play following the Dadonov goal was faster than usual. Both teams received an abundance of glorious opportunities, but the Panthers would eventually tack on another goal.

While on the man advantage, the Panthers capitalized again, with Dadonov beating superstar netminder Carey Price for the second time tonight (2-0 FLA).

‘Dad’ was positioned perfectly in front of the net, and finished off the magnificent feed from Vincent Trocheck.

However, the Cats briefly took their foot off the gas pedal, resulting in Montreal striking back shortly after Dadonov’s goal. On the PP, Matthew Peca was practically gifted a goal, as the puck deflected off Panther defenseman Keith Yandle and behind Roberto Luongo’s cage (2-1 FLA).

With the Panthers’ lead sliced in half, the team suddenly played with greater intensity and desire, realizing their one-goal cushion wasn’t nearly safe. Following several decent-looking chances from FLA, the first period concluded, with the Cats carrying a 2-1 lead into the dressing room.

The second period commenced with Florida committing numerous penalties, giving Montreal sudden hope and multiple power-play opportunities. Although, Luongo proved incredibly stellar in net, robbing a multitude of glorious chances from Montreal.

Roberto Luongo was absolutely dominant, stoning the likes of speedster Paul Byron on two breakaways in the 2nd period of play.

The Panthers, after outplaying Montreal for the better portion of the 1st period, were clearly outplayed by the inferior Canadiens in the second period. Despite the numerous PP chances and breakaway opportunities, the 2nd period concluded, with the Florida Panthers maintaining a dangerous 2-1 lead into the locker room.

As the 3rd period started, third-string goaltender Michael Hutchinson relieved Roberto Luongo in net. ‘Bobby Lu’ played like a brick wall, stopping 20/21 shots from the Montreal Canadiens throughout the game’s first two periods.

In fact, the only goal Roberto surrendered wasn’t actually his fault, as Luongo was clearly a standout performer in tonight’s contest.

Unlike the first two periods, the third period was played with more physicality and emotion from both sides. Max Domi was rightfully ejected and assessed a 5 minute major for several brutal, uncalled for cheap-shot punches on a defenseless Aaron Ekblad, resulting in a bloodied face for the Canadian native:

Jonathan Huberdeau ultimately retaliated in defense/support of teammate Aaron Ekblad, dropping the gloves with Paul Byron moments later.

The Cats were unable to capitalize on the five-minute man advantage, as they were seemingly clinging onto a one-goal lead.

During a tremendous penalty kill effort by the Cats, which included a miraculous sprawling save by ‘Hutch,’ the Panthers eventually struck gold once more. The Cats extended their lead, with the much-improved Jared McCann reaching the back of the net shorthanded (3-1 FLA).

The Cats were relentless offensively, as they didn’t stop attacking Antti Niemi with flying pucks. Minutes later, Jared McCann added yet another tally, assisted beautifully by youngster Denis Malgin (4-1 FLA).

With Florida possessing a comfortable three-goal cushion, the Habs suddenly amped up the pressure offensively.

Montreal’s efforts were rewarded, as Matthew Peca fed Nikita Scherbak nicely on a two-on-one rush (4-2 FLA). However, the Canadiens simply couldn’t complete their comeback, as the Cats proved too dominant.

The Panthers tacked on a fifth goal, courtesy of Nick Bjugstad, who potted an empty-net goal while falling face-forward almost simultaneously (5-2 FLA).

The Panthers picked up their first preseason victory, defeating the talent-deficient Canadiens by a score-line of 5-2. The game consisted of three primary standouts for the Florida Panthers: Evgeni Dadonov (2 goals), Jared McCann (2 goals), and the ageless wonder Roberto Luongo (20 saves and win).