For the second time in two nights, the Florida Panthers lost a game during regulation. It wasn’t the best effort, either, as the New Jersey Devils defeated them by a 7-4 final score. Let’s a take a dive into it.
The game actually started off well for the Panthers, as Sam Bennett scored roughly four minutes into the first period. However, the Panthers would then let up goals to Andreas Johnsson and Nico Hischier late in the first period within a two-minute span. This wouldn’t be the only time they let up multiple goals in a short amount of time.
However, once again, the Panthers started off the second period red hot. Aleksander Barkov scored 24 seconds in and became the all-time leader in goals for the franchise. Owen Tippett then scored a little over a minute after. It seemed that the Panthers found their mojo again, but nope – Johnsson scored his second goal of the game 31 seconds later. Play slowed down a bit from here until P.K. Subban scored with a little over a minute left in the period.
The third period would ultimately sink the Panthers. Pavel Zacha scored a power play goal and then Ty Smith scored just 29 seconds later to give the Devils a 6-3 lead. The Panthers were unable to beat Devils goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood the entire period. Jimmy Vesey would finally score an empty net goal and that would be it.
It was a hard night for the team as a collective unit, but man did the Devils come to play. A total of 13 of their players recorded at least one point, while six recorded at least two. With stats like this, it’s rather easy to tell that it was another tough start for Spencer Knight. He allowed six goals on 30 shots. That just won’t get it done.
Some positives with the Panthers
When a team loses like this, it’s hard to find too much to be optimistic about. However, I will still try to now.
- In the preview for this matchup, I predicted that both Carter Verhaeghe and Gustav Forsling would record their 10th points of this very young season. They ended up doing just that. Verhaeghe had two assists, while Forsling had one of his own.
- Obviously, Barkov becoming the all-time leader in goals for the Panthers was a major positive. It was a nice moment for the franchise.
- Owen Tippett was very noticeable on the ice, as he scored a goal and added an assist. This is a big year for the 2017 first-round pick and it’s nice to see that he’s showing real signs of improvement.
The Panthers will be looking to regroup tomorrow night when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. After their outstanding start to the regular season, it would be rough to see them go on a three-game losing streak. We will have to wait and see what happens then.