Florida Panthers Displayed Their Best Third Period of the Season

The Florida Panthers were down a goal heading into the third period but managed to claw their way back to victory.

For the most part, the first two periods were well-played by the Florida Panthers. The defense was getting pucks out the first time, while the forwards were creating chances and getting pucks to the net.

One issue, though: the Cats couldn’t capitalize on any of their chances in the first and second period, entering the third period scoreless.

Come the third period of play, the Panthers displayed everything that was shown in the first forty minutes, but more. It took some time to find the first, but once it happened, the ball started rolling from there.

Jonathan Huberdeau came storming into the Sabres’ zone and quickly drove to Ullmark’s direction. Just before reaching Ullmark’s crease, Huberdeau pulled off his famous stop and slid the puck underneath his five hole.

Less than a minute later, Jayce Hawryluk gave the Panthers their first lead of the hockey game. Vincent Trocheck sniped a shot which hit off the crossbar and deflected off of Hawryluk’s stomach and in (2-1 FLA).

It wasn’t long after until Barkov added some insurance, blowing by Dahlin while putting the puck between his legs and sneaking a shot through Ullmark’s pad side.

In a matter of two games, Barkov had managed to feature on a number of premium outlets ranging from Sportsnet to TSN. His four goals over the last few days were that good!

Later, through the closing moments of the third, Jonathan Huberdeau recorded his second of the game and his fifteenth of the season, ultimately sealing the coffin for good.

Picking up the puck from Barkov in the corner, Huberdeau split his way through Skinner and Pominville and proceeded to pull Ullmark out of his net while sliding the puck into the empty cage. The goal had ‘filth’ and ‘disgusting’ written all over it.

The Sabres would find a meaningless goal through Vladimir Sobotka with seconds remaining in the game, but the Panthers would hang on to win by a score of 4-2.

In all honesty, I have to say that this particular third period was by far the best from the Panthers this season. And that says a ton, considering that third periods haven’t exactly been the friendliest to the Cats.

Nonetheless, the Panthers never got down on themselves when they were struggling to bury chances and continued chopping at the bit until the very end.

That’s what good teams do, and they always manage to find some light at the end of any tunnel. Tonight, I can safely and proudly say that the Panthers played like a good hockey team – which hasn’t been the case for the majority of the season.

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