Florida hasn’t won three in a row in 14 tries spanning four seasons, and Craig Anderson has the Panther’s number, sporting a 6-0-1 record and a 2.22 GAA against Florida. In spite of historical ineptitude and Florida’s record against Anderson, this team has had three days off, and Ottawa played in Tampa Bay last night.
First Period:
Florida opened with an assault on Craig Anderson, collecting eight shots in the first five minutes of the period. The Senators, however, would strike first, as Jim O’Brian (1) gathered up a rebound and stuffed the puck home on a wrap-around, beating an out of position Scott Clemmensen. Nick Foligno and Brian Lee assisted on the goal at the six minute mark.
Shawn Matthias (10) would net the equalizer 12 minutes in, streaking into the Ottawa zone and beating Anderson with a wrist shot from the left side. Mike Weaver collected his 14th assist of the season. It was Matthias’ 25th NHL goal, while 14 points this season marks a new career high for Weaver.
Florida took to the man advantage when Tomas Kopecky was hooked by Filip Kuba behind the Ottawa net at the 16 minute mark. Three clears, two saves, a malfunctioning clock, an unfortunate offsides penalty and two minutes later, Kuba charged out of the box with a breakaway chance against Clemmensen. The goalie easily kicked the puck aside.
Hits: Panthers, 15-8
Blocked Shots: Panthers, 5-3
Faceoffs: Senators, 9-8
Shots on Goal: Panthers, 14-9
Score: Senators 1, Panthers 1