Panthers Fall Short In Atlanta

The Florida Panthers returned back to action for the first time in over two weeks due to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The team visited Atlanta and were defeated by the Thrashers 4-2 on Tuesday night. Scott Clemmensen started in net for the first time since December 27 against the Boston Bruins, making 35 saves. Tomas Vokoun, who had played in the last 21 consecutive games for the Panthers and five games for the Czech Republic during the olympics, was given a day of rest by coach Peter Deboer. After a slow start, the Panthers were down 2-0 four minutes into the game. Stephen Weiss put in a power-play goal almost six minutes into the game, his 22nd goal of the season. David Booth tied the game midway through the first period with his third goal of the year, his first tally since coming back from a concussion injury that sidelined him for 45 games. Atlanta got second-period goals by Todd White and Pavel Kubina to hold on to the win. The Panthers host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise. The NHL trade deadline is at 3PM on Wednesday.