Panthers Defeat Canucks

The top team in the Western Conference faced the top team in the Southeast Division as the Florida Panthers upset the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 Monday night at the Bank Atlantic Center. Roberto Luongo made his return to Sunrise along with several former Panthers including Keith Ballard, Chris Higgins, Alexander Sulzer and Mike Duco. David Booth, who was traded to Vancouver by Florida general manager Dale Tallon on October 22, was not activated due to a knee injury games he sustained 17 games ago. Dale Weise scored on the Canucks first shot of the game at 3:11 on a two-on-one breakaway after Manny Malhotra intercepted a pass to Erik Gudbranson on the right point. The Panthers tied the game at 5:00 of the second period as Dmitry Kulikov followed up on a rebound shot from the top of the left circle and put the puck in the short side. It was his fourth goal of the season. Florida took the lead on their second power play of the game at 10:52. After a wild scramble in front, Marcel Goc scored from the lower crease area for his fourth. The Panthers held Vancouver to only two shots in the second period. The Canucks had numerous opportunities in the third period. Vancouver pulled Luongo for an extra with one minute remaining, however Alexandre Burrows was called for interference at the Panthers blue line with 29 seconds left. Florida was zero-for-three in penalty killing against Vancouver, which has the best power play in the NHL. The Panthers have to wait until Friday for their next game as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be without Sidney Crosby.