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Florida Panthers vs New York Islanders
It was a nice gesture from the New York Islanders organization to stay on the bench while the Florida Panthers honored Dmitry Kulikov as he reached an incredible milestone in his career of 1,000 career NHL games. The Panthers entered this game sitting third in the conference and first in the division coming off back-to-back victories. The Islanders however come out from an overtime victory over the Lightning defeating them 3-2 as they sit 11th in the conference trying to reach a playoff spot.
39 seconds into the first period was all it took for the Florida Panthers to get on the board on the second day of a back-to-back in which they haven't been the best at as of late. It was Carter Verhaeghe assisted by Reinhart to make it a 1-0 game. Later in the period it would be Verhaeghe getting a brace doubling the lead for Florida making it 2-0 this time assisted by Gustav Forsling.
The Islanders started out the second period strong trying to respond to Florida's two-goal first period getting on the board three minutes in. It would be MacLean for New York assisted by DeAngelo cutting the lead in half making the score 2-1. On a power play the Islanders just minutes later would equalize the game 2-2 through the strike of Pageau. Amerant Bank Arena was silent four minutes later with Gatcomb finding the back of the net giving the Islanders the 3-2 lead. Evan Rodrigues would respond for Florida three minutes later equalizing the game 3-3. Sam Reinhart would give the Panthers the lead back at the end of the period with his 31st goal to make it 4-3.
An eventful second period will build up for a fun third and final period with the Islanders bringing the fight to the Panthers. Verhaeghe would find himself getting a hat trick off of a power play leading Florida to another two-goal lead making it 5-3. The Islanders emptied the net and lost the gamble with Matthew Tkachuk scoring a goal to make the score 6-3. The Panthers defeat the Islanders 6-3 to now make it three consecutive victories.
Up next for the Florida Panthers is a road game visiting the Washington Capitals.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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