Looking to close out their first-round series in hostile territory, the Florida Panthers have struggled to get much going on the offensive end in Game 6. The Cats have put just six shots on New Jersey Devils' goaltender Martin Brodeur, while the Devils have peppered Scott Clemmensen through the first 20 minutes. Jersey finally broke the scoreless tie at the end of the first period to take a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. It was a conservative start for Florida.
The Devils took the 1-0 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first period when Steve Bernier just threw it at the net from a tough angle for his second goal of the series. The sequence started off a Ryan Carter face-off win, and the Devils immediately started frenetically firing at Clemmensen. Peter Harrold made a nice play to keep the puck in the zone, and Bernier controlled a loose puck and front and simply turned around and fired it at the net. The puck slid right through the wickets of Clemmensen for the one-goal lead. Video of the goal below:
It was a clean period with no penalties, but Florida will look to get some rhythm on offense and challenge Brodeur in the second period.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Panthers' playoff push, visit Litter Box Cats. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, head over to In Lou We Trust. For all your hockey news and notes and more on each playoff series, keep up with SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.