Brian Campbell was called for slashing Troy Brouwer at the five minute mark. The Panthers kept the puck out of their own zone pretty well, allowing one pretty good shot on Jose Theodore and clearing the puck several times.
The Caps were throwing everything at Theodore, collecting 10 shots to two for Florida through the period’s first 12 minutes. The Florida goaltender, however, was a brick wall, stopping everything thrown his way.
Mike Knuble scored the apparent equalizer with 45 seconds left in the period, but the goal was immediately waved off, as Knuble appeared to have his left hand on Theodore’s head. The Cap was called for interference for good measure, putting the Cats up a man to end the period. Florida got some good pressure on Vokoun, but the period ended without any changes to the scoreboard.
Hits: Washington, 29-27
Blocked Shots: Florida, 11-10
Faceoffs: Florida, 17-16
Shots on Goal: Washington, 30-16
Score: Panthers 1, Capitals 0