Panthers Outlast Senators

Following a 3-1 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday, the Florida Panthers played a second straight day at home and defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2 at the Bank Atlantic Center. The Panthers ended a two-game losing streak. After failing on their first power play, the Senators connected twice in the first period. Jared Cowen nailed a left point slap slot on a Kyle Turris pass from the left-wing boards at 13:23. Chris Neil increased their lead five minutes later as he hit a loose puck in the slot area past Jose Theodore. It was assisted by Jim O'Brien. Florida responded quickly at the beginning of the second period just thirty-three seconds in. Mike Weaver fired a right point shot that was redirected in front by Marcel Goc over the left shoulder of Robin Lehner. The Panthers added another goal to tie the game at 2-2 at 2:54. From the neutral zone, Jack Skille found Krys Barch streaking through the middle of ice and he skated on a one-on-one breakaway putting in a delayed forehand shot. Chris Neil was called for a double-minor penalty for high sticking Ed Jovanovski at 10:03. Florida scored on the first of two power plays given to them. Stephen Weiss sent a pass from the left corner toward the crease area where Mikael Samuelsson pounded a shot for his ninth goal this season. In the third period, The Senators best chance to tie the game was with 3:50 remaining when Turris hit the crossbar with a shot. Skille raced in from the left side around a defenseman and wrapped the game up with 1:26 left. Florida is now 12-3-2 against Canada-based teams and 7-1-1 on home ice. The Panthers travel to Philadelphia and take on the Flyers on Thursday.