Panthers Sweep New York Weekend

The Florida Panthers went to play two games over the weekend in the New York metropolitan area and swept two local teams. On Saturday, the Panthers beat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 at the Prudential Center in Newark. Although Florida gave up the first goal of the game, the team came back with three consecutive goals. Sean Bergenheim had a power-play goal along with an even-strength goal by Kris Versteeg and an open-net goal by Mikael Samuelsson in the final minute of the game. Scott Clemmensen picked up the victory over his former team while Martin Brodeur took the loss. The Panthers played on Sunday and defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale. Once again, Florida gave up the opening goal to the opponent only to bounce with four straight tallies. Rookie defenseman Tyson Strachan get his first NHL goal to tie the game. Tomas Fleischmann's goal ended up being the game-winner. Versteeg picked up a power-play goal in the second period while Jack Skille added a third-period goal. Jose Theodore posted his 275th NHL win in net. The Panthers have now won a season-high four consecutive games. The last time the team won four straight was in March 2008 which turned into a seven-game winning streak. Florida now has a four-point lead over the Washington Capitals in the Southeast Division.