Florida came into the game riding a three game winning streak, a fourth consecutive victory would be the first such streak since 2007.
Unfortunately, Buffalo seems to have something to say about that.
Both teams were scoreless until the 18 minute mark of the first period, when Derek Roy scored his seventh goal of the season with assists from Drew Stafford and Tyler Ennis. The teams combined for only 12 shots on goal through the first 20 minutes.
Buffalo enjoyed four of the first five power plays of the night, but the Cats were able to kill each penalty. The Panthers got a power play of their own when Chris Ehrhoff was called for roughing at the 15:34 mark of the second period. Jochen Hecht was called for holding Stephen Weiss just 10 seconds later, setting up almost two full minutes of 5-on-3 action.
Florida would only need 14 seconds on the two man advantage to capitalize, with Jason Garrison scoring his ninth goal of the season with assists by Tomas Fleischmann and Kris Versteeg. It was Garrison’s first goal this season that was not aided by an assist from fellow defenseman Brian Campbell.
Blocked Shots: Florida, 7-6
Hits: Florida, 15-14
Faceoffs: Florida, 16-13
Shots: Florida, 15-13
Score: Florida 1, Buffalo 1