The New Jersey Devils extended their Game 7 lead over the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, taking a 2-0 lead into the second intermission in Sunrise. The Florida offense has been sluggish so far, with scoring chances few and far between in the win-or-go-home matchup.
Stephen Gionta scored the second goal of the evening and his second of the series. Gionta did it with work down low, nabbing a rebound off a Peter Harrold shot from outside to beat Jose Theodore with a quick backhand flip over the glove and into the back of the net.
Martin Brodeur has been solid but not spectacular, as the Cats have forced him to stop only 14 shots so far. The Cats put only 14 shots on him in the entire Game 6, and had another slow second period with only two shots-on-goal. The Cats will need to amp up the pressure on the offensive end out of the gate in the third to keep their season alive.
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.