Coyotes Edge Panthers

The Florida Panthers finished off a four-game home stand on Tuesday night and were held off by the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 at the Bank Atlantic Center. Former Panther Ray Whitney scored from the left circle on a five-on-three power play with seven seconds left in the first period. Phoenix increased their lead to 2-0 just over nine minutes into the second period when Keith Yandle fed a pass from the top of the zone to Radim Vrbata for a one-timer from the left face-off circle. Whitney also added an assist. The Panthers closed the gap at 17:42 as Brian Campbell fired a shot from the top right circle for his third goal this season. Kris Versteeg and Jason Garrision got the assists on the play. Florida had their best chance to tie the game with 24 seconds left in the third period when the Panthers were rewarded a penalty shot after two Coyotes knocked over their own net. Stephen Weiss represented Florida on the penalty shot, came onto the crease area and fired a shot that went under Coyotes goalie Jason LaBarbera and stopped on the goal line. The Panthers lead in the Southeast Division became closer with the Washington Capitals win tonight at seven points. Florida will play two road games prior to the Christmas break as they travel to Ottawa and Buffalo.