Recat: Panik In Toronto

The Panthers invaded Air Canada Centre to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs and try and break their three game skid. They ended up putting just 17 shots on goal, but it was enough as they came out on top, 3-2. Roberto Luongo had 27 saves in the win.

The first period would see the Leafs capitalize on the power play after Nick Bjugstad was called for tripping Richard Panik. Tyler Bozak one-timed a perfect James van Riemsdyk pass past Luongo's stick-side for the early 1-0 lead after just four minutes. Nazem Kadri also was awarded an assist on the play.

With just over a minute left in the period, the Panthers answered with a power play marker of their own. Jussi Jokinen (5) snapped a shot past Jonathan Bernier from about 14-feet out to lock the score at one. The power play was drawn by Derek MacKenzie, who had Petter Granberg thoughtfully interfere with him just for that very thing. Mission accomplished, Mac. Brad Boyes and Brian Campbell each received very-well-earned assists on the play.

In the second frame, the Cats added another power play marker when Tomas Fleischmann skated behind the net and dished to a waiting Bjugstad (21), who effortlessly put the puck in a puck-sized hole between Bernier and the pipe. Dave Bolland also earned a helper on the play.

Florida doubled their lead at the 13:48 mark when Jimmy Hayes (17) redirected a Campbell shot from the point. Jokinen earned his second point of the night with a secondary assist.

The Leafs pulled Bernier with about three minutes remaining, which paid off after Dave Bolland slashed David Clarkson. That development resulted in a six-on-four and a Phil Kessel (22) marker for the final 3-2 margin. Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly were awarded the assists on the play.

LBC founder Donny tops the comment leaderboard tonight, with Kinney coming in second despite not showing up until the third period.

Here are some of the highlights from the GameThread

LBC Associate Editor Todd Little started us out with wishful thinking.

let’s leave Toronto with 2 points (and Kessel) - Todd Little

dcfish, being sensible:

eliran2, stating an obvious fact:

and making perfect sense:

In the last 10 games, we play Boston 3 times. That’s basically the 1st round of the playoffs - eliran2

Prospects are nothing to me until they can show their worth in the NHL. I just hate the hype because it sets this team up for disappointment. And frankly this team does not need to add to that list. It’s why the butts are not in the seats in Sunrise. - Francisco Oporta

...and after Bjugstad scored on that bad angle shot in the second:

I see this team got a good look at the standings in the intermission. - Francisco Oporta

KensterFox injecting a little levity (and unfortunate truth):

Good to know that when we’re scoring, we’re still the best team in the league at almost-scoring.

Donny in response to assuming that all Florida draftees will be great:

How could we be FLA fans as anything other than optimists? - Donny Rivette

and a little constructive thinking:

kinney4, with a commentary on how the mighty have fallen:

Booth has one assist in 20 games. Wow. - kinney4

saskpantherfan waxing on the relative usefulness of trivia.

My wife wishes there was something I could be paid to do with all the hockey knowledge in my head. Cant remember to book an eye docotr appt but I can remember the 9 teams Olli played for. - saskpantherfan

And finally, Donny with my favorite comment of the night:

62 - Donny Rivette

Next up for these Panthers, the Montreal Canadiens in Hab country. Check back in the morning for Todd's AM recap, Thursday early for the scouting report, and our patented Caterwauls in the meantime. For more on the Leafs, go to Pension Plan Puppets. Eyes On The Prize has your Canadiens.