The Florida Panthers won in a lot of statistical categories, but lost where it counts the most, on the scoreboard, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Edmonton Oilers at the BB&T Center. The loss was the fourth in a row for the suddenly sagging Panthers.
Taylor Hall bagged two goals, including a breakaway strike to open the scoring in the first period, and set up Teddy Purcell‘s empty-net clincher with 1:28 left in the game after the Panthers botched pulling Al Montoya for an extra attacker. Purcell drew assists on both of Hall’s tallies.
Jordan Eberle scored the other Oilers’ goal as Edmonton built a 3-0 lead after two periods before the Cats rallied for two goals early in the third.
Reilly Smith scored unassisted after a turnover and Quinton Howden banged in a nice goalmouth feed from Shawn Thornton 2:50 later.
Dmitry Kulikov had a golden opportunity to tie the game on wraparound, but failed to lift the puck over a prone Cam Talbot and instead shot it right into him.
The Panthers get a three-day break from action before welcoming the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.
Check back in the morning for LBC’s full recap and stop by Copper & Blue for all things Oilers.