Panthers Crack Lightning

    The Florida Panthers went across the state to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night and won 3-2 in a shootout at Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Cats now have a season-high three-game winning streak and return home for two games this weekend against the Washington Capitals and the Ottawa Senators.
    Florida(12-19-6) converted on their first power play of the game at 8:36 of the first period. Tomas Fleischmann was at the top left circle when he found T.J Brennan in the top right circle. He snapped a shot that was deflected by Tomas Kopecky in the low slot that went into the net. It was Kopecky's 13th tally of the season.
    On their second power play, the Panthers extended their lead to 2-0 with 3:19 left in the second period. Brennan blasted a one-time slap shot from the right point that was redirected off the body of Greg Rallo in the crease area. It was the first NHL goal for the 31-year old Rallo.
    Tampa Bay(15-18-2) made a comeback in the third period and closed the gap to one goal at 5:38. While in the low slot, Tom Pyatt redirected a Teddy Purcell wrist shot from the right wing.
    The Lightning tied the game 2-2 with 9:28 remaining on an unusual bounce. Purcell placed a pass to Hedman at the top of the zone. His slap shot was wide of the net, bounced back off the back wall and Alex Killorn directed the bouncing puck from the left side of the crease for the goal.
    Peter Mueller scored on the Panthers first attempt in the shootout and Jacob Markstrom stopped all three Lightning attempts for the victory. Markstrom made 39 saves and improved to 6-7-1 while Mathieu Garon dropped to 5-8-1 and he stopped 23 shots. The Panthers went 2-for-3 and Tampa Bay went 0-for-3 on the power play.