The Florida Panthers came out strong against the New York Rangers, only allowing two shots over the first 15 minutes of the first period. Several lines looked strong for the Cats, including the S-line, with Santorelli, Sturm and Skille, and the Kennedy centered line, along with Bergenheim and Dadonov.
Jason Garrison scored his eighth goal of the season with assists by Tomas Fleischmann and Brian Campbell. Garrison's eight goals leads all NHL defensemen, while Campbell's 19 assists also leads all NHL defensemen. The power play goal came on the Panthers first power play opportunity of the evening.
Mike Santorelli took a penalty leaving the Panthers shorthanded for two minutes, and the Rangers got three shots on goal during their power play. Strong penalty killing by the Cats, particularly Tomas Kopecky and Jose Theodore negated any possible threat the Rangers may have mounted.
Florida controlled most of the pace during the first period, although the Rangers outshot the Cats eight to seven. Stay tuned as the Panthers try to make it three in a row.