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Florida Panthers vs Boston Bruins
Despite all of South Florida being under a tropical storm warning that did not stop Florida Panther fans from flooding to the Amerant Bank Arena for a special night. Not only was it the first game of the season it was championship banner celebration night. The Panthers raised their first ever Stanley Cup Championship banner on a day where for the first time in franchise history they've sold out of season tickets. Panthers hosted the Boston Bruins who the Panthers have met in the playoffs the last two seasons.
As expected it was a chippy night with much of the physicality being directed at Matthew Tkachuk. Max Jones from the Bruins was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for trying to slash Evan Rodrigues but instead hit the official. There was multiple scuffles throughout the night as the bad blood was not forgiven between the rivalry that has been built between these two teams in recent years.
When it came down to focusing on the game it was a different story. In the opening period it was Sam Bennett and Luostarinen scoring just seconds from each other giving Florida an early 2-0 lead. The Bruins would respond and get a goal of their own to make it 2-1. The Panthers offense then erupted once again picking up where they left off with Reinhart and Bennett both scoring to make it 4-1.
Sergei Bobrovsky was back to getting "BOB" chants from the Florida crowd as he stopped 24 shots. Boston had won five consecutive season openers but that would come to an end. Florida is now 4-1 in its last five season openers. The Panthers would extend the lead to 6-2 with Rodrigues and Jonah Gadjovich adding their names to the scoresheet. Bruins would make a comeback making it 6-4 but would not be enough as the Panthers pick up the victory.
Next up for the Florida Panthers is a road game visiting the Ottawa Senators.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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