Florida took advantage of a clearly seen-better-days version of Ilya Bryzgalov, defeating him and the rest of the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 at BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL on Tuesday night.
The Panthers started out with two markers in the first. Dmitry Kulikov (2) started it off just five minutes into the period on a one-timer off a cross ice pass from Brian Campbell. Dave Bolland also earned an assist on the play. Later, the Panthers capitalized on a five-on-three power play when Nick Bjugstad beat Ilya Bryzgalov on the long side for his 18th of the season. Assists were awarded to Jimmy Hayes and Jonathan Huberdeau.
The second period would see the Panthers extend their lead to three when Aaron Ekblad wired a slapshot past Bryzgalov for his ninth of the season. Huberdeau and Campbell each earned their second assists of the game on the play. Soon after, the Ducks answered with a five-on-three marker of their own when Kyle Palmieri (11) beat a badly out of position Roberto Luongo, with assists from Rickard Rakell and Cam Fowler.
The Panthers regained their three goal lead at the 12:50 mark when Aleksander Barkov deked out replacement goaltender John Gibson on a breakaway. It was his eighth of the season with helpers from Brad Boyes and Huberdeau. Dave Bolland helped the Cats pile it on just 22 seconds later, scoring his third of the season from Tomas Fleischmann and Erik Gudbranson. Fleischmann’s assist on the play would be his 300th career NHL point. Later, Tim Jackman scored an ugly goal on Luongo with five minutes left in the frame, his fifth.
Jimmy Hayes got in on the act in the third, scoring his 16th of the season on a Cats’ power play, stuffing home a Steven Kampfer rebound. Gudbranson earned his second assist of the game on the play.