The Florida Panthers completed a three-game homestand lost 2-1 in overtime to the Washington Captials on Saturday night at BB&T Center. Both teams played to a twenty-round shootout the last time they met in Sunrise.
A little more than two minutes into the second period, Florida was coming off a penalty kill and led to a score on the other end of the rink. Alex Ovechkin took a slapshot from the left point which was blocked by the right ankle of Alex Petrovic and the puck deflected to the neutral zone. Dave Bolland brought it across the Capitals blue line and aired it ahead to Jussi Jokinen. He lifted the puck over the right shoulder of Phillipp Grubauer for his third goal this year.
Washington pulled even just over two minutes into the third period. Justin Williams sent a pass from the low right circle to Ovechkin in the slot area for a wrist shot. It was redirected into the blue paint where Jay Beagle poked it in from the right of the crease for his second goal this season.
The Caps got a break in overtime when the Panthers iced the puck and had to keep their tired players on the ice due to burning a timeout when they challenged the Washington goal. The Capitals used a three-man weave following the left-circle face-off until Evgeny Kuznetsov broke away through the left circle and snapped a shot by Al Montoya for his fifth tally this season.
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Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Bruins Topple Panthers
The Florida Panthers fell to the Boston Bruins 3-l on Friday night at BB&T Center. The Bruins, who have gone ll-l-l in their last l3 contests against the Cats, remained undefeated on the road this season at 4-O-O.
In the first period, Boston[5-3-I] was able to score on their first power play. Zdeno Chara was at the top of the Panthers zone and fired a slapshot which was redirected by Brad Marchand in the slot area at 9:22. Marchand increased his point streak to five straight games.
The Bruins kept the momentum early in the second period and extended their lead to 2-O at 7:O7. Patrice Bergeron passed the puck from the left corner to Torey Krug at the left point. His slapshot was stopped by Marchand at the top of the crease. He carried it to his backhand and released the puck for his second goal of the game and fourth goal this season.
The B's converted on their second power play of the game at 9:l3 and had a three-goal cushion. David Krejci took a slapshot from the top left circle which was saved by Roberto Luongo, however the long rebound was put into the net on a wrist shot by Chara for his first tally this season. Krejci improved to a nine-game point scoring streak which he started at the beginning of the regular season.
Florida[5-4-l] took advantage of a 5-on-3 power-play opportunity as Nick Bjugstad scored on a rebound off Tuukka Rask from close range. Dave Bolland and Brandon Pirri were credited with assists on the play.
In the first period, Boston[5-3-I] was able to score on their first power play. Zdeno Chara was at the top of the Panthers zone and fired a slapshot which was redirected by Brad Marchand in the slot area at 9:22. Marchand increased his point streak to five straight games.
The Bruins kept the momentum early in the second period and extended their lead to 2-O at 7:O7. Patrice Bergeron passed the puck from the left corner to Torey Krug at the left point. His slapshot was stopped by Marchand at the top of the crease. He carried it to his backhand and released the puck for his second goal of the game and fourth goal this season.
The B's converted on their second power play of the game at 9:l3 and had a three-goal cushion. David Krejci took a slapshot from the top left circle which was saved by Roberto Luongo, however the long rebound was put into the net on a wrist shot by Chara for his first tally this season. Krejci improved to a nine-game point scoring streak which he started at the beginning of the regular season.
Florida[5-4-l] took advantage of a 5-on-3 power-play opportunity as Nick Bjugstad scored on a rebound off Tuukka Rask from close range. Dave Bolland and Brandon Pirri were credited with assists on the play.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Oxbridge Academy Routs Cardinal Newman
The Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves clinched the District 7-3A title on Thursday night as they blew out the Cardinal Newman Crusaders 48-O at William H. Pitt Stadium. Oxbridge Academy, who are now in the third season of the football program, won their first FHSAA football district championship in school history. They had participated as an independent in the first two years. The American Heritage Stallions finished with the runner-up spot in the district.
Oxbridge Academy[7-2, 2-O] began to roll during the opening seconds on the kickoff when Kyle Cartales of Cardinal Newman fumbled the ball. James Meeks scooped it up and ran it in from 2O yards out just l5 seconds into the first quarter for a 7-O lead.
Crusaders quarterback Shane Drohan was intercepted on the third play of their first possession. Meeks returned the ball 32 yards down the sideline for a touchdown at lO:ll to make it l4-O.
Cardinal Newman[l-8, O-2] had their best opportunity to score in the contest when linebacker Austin Basile recovered a fumble and returned it 63 yards to the Thunderwolves eight-yard line. They missed putting points on the scoreboard on a fourth-and-goal from the nine-yard line with an incomplete pass.
The Thunderwolves struck with their longest offensive scoring play in school history when quarterback Angleo Navaroli threw a screen pass to the right side. Wide receiver Trey Green caught the ball, sprinted through the middle of the field and scored a 98-yard touchdown at 4:38.
In the second quarter, they extended their margin to 28-O at ll:lO when Navaroli found tight end A.J. Garson not defended on the right hash marks. He went into the end zone untouched from 4O yards away.
Meeks would make it a 35-point cushion with 5:O7 left in the first half when he rushed the ball around the left end and scored on a l5-yard run. There was a running clock initiated for the second half of play.
Oxbridge Academy[7-2, 2-O] began to roll during the opening seconds on the kickoff when Kyle Cartales of Cardinal Newman fumbled the ball. James Meeks scooped it up and ran it in from 2O yards out just l5 seconds into the first quarter for a 7-O lead.
Crusaders quarterback Shane Drohan was intercepted on the third play of their first possession. Meeks returned the ball 32 yards down the sideline for a touchdown at lO:ll to make it l4-O.
Cardinal Newman[l-8, O-2] had their best opportunity to score in the contest when linebacker Austin Basile recovered a fumble and returned it 63 yards to the Thunderwolves eight-yard line. They missed putting points on the scoreboard on a fourth-and-goal from the nine-yard line with an incomplete pass.
The Thunderwolves struck with their longest offensive scoring play in school history when quarterback Angleo Navaroli threw a screen pass to the right side. Wide receiver Trey Green caught the ball, sprinted through the middle of the field and scored a 98-yard touchdown at 4:38.
In the second quarter, they extended their margin to 28-O at ll:lO when Navaroli found tight end A.J. Garson not defended on the right hash marks. He went into the end zone untouched from 4O yards away.
Meeks would make it a 35-point cushion with 5:O7 left in the first half when he rushed the ball around the left end and scored on a l5-yard run. There was a running clock initiated for the second half of play.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Panthers Dump Avalanche
The Florida Panthers returned home following a three-game road trip and defeated the Colorado Avalanche 4-l at BB&T Center on Tuesday night. Roberto Luongo picked up his 4O4th career victory in goal to pass Grant Fuhr for ninth in NHL history. The Panthers improved to 3-l-O at home this season. This was the first game of a three-game road swing by Colorado[2-5-l] through the Southeast.
Florida[5-3-l} waited until their first power play of the contest to take the lead with l9.7 seconds left in the first period. Brian Campbell rifled a cross-ice pass through the neutral zone to Vincent Trocheck on the right side. He skated to the top of the right circle and scored on a slapshot.
In the third period, the Panthers converted on their second power play of the game at 2:58. Campbell was at the top of zone and shifted the puck to Dmitry Kulikov in the right circle. He connected a pass through the slot area where Trocheck powered home a shot from the left-circle dot for his second goal of the game and fourth goal of the season.
The Cats made it 3-for-3 on the power play as they expanded to a three-goal cushion at 9:49. Trocheck was on his knees while at the right-wing wall and poked the puck to Jussi Jokinen in the right circle. He quickly relayed a pass across to Reilly Smith in the left circle and he snapped a shot into a half-empty net for his fourth goal on the year. Campbell added a shorthanded goal for his first tally of the season at l4:O2.
Luongo was prevented from his 69th career shutout when the Avalanche scored with 57 seconds left in the game. Nikita Zadarov took a shot from long range which Luongo saved, however Gabriel Landeskog pounced on the rebound from the crease for his team-high fifth goal this season.
Florida[5-3-l} waited until their first power play of the contest to take the lead with l9.7 seconds left in the first period. Brian Campbell rifled a cross-ice pass through the neutral zone to Vincent Trocheck on the right side. He skated to the top of the right circle and scored on a slapshot.
In the third period, the Panthers converted on their second power play of the game at 2:58. Campbell was at the top of zone and shifted the puck to Dmitry Kulikov in the right circle. He connected a pass through the slot area where Trocheck powered home a shot from the left-circle dot for his second goal of the game and fourth goal of the season.
The Cats made it 3-for-3 on the power play as they expanded to a three-goal cushion at 9:49. Trocheck was on his knees while at the right-wing wall and poked the puck to Jussi Jokinen in the right circle. He quickly relayed a pass across to Reilly Smith in the left circle and he snapped a shot into a half-empty net for his fourth goal on the year. Campbell added a shorthanded goal for his first tally of the season at l4:O2.
Luongo was prevented from his 69th career shutout when the Avalanche scored with 57 seconds left in the game. Nikita Zadarov took a shot from long range which Luongo saved, however Gabriel Landeskog pounced on the rebound from the crease for his team-high fifth goal this season.
Miami Ratings October 2Ol5
Miami Sports Radio 56O WQAM-AM proved it was no fluke as they stayed on top with the highest ratings than any other sports format radio station in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale region. All three competitors in the South Florida market did trend up in the ratings period.
It was the first time that WQAM had finished in first place by themselves for at least consecutive months since they led from September 2Ol2 to November 2Ol2. The station increased their ratings for the second straight month as they went from a l.2 to a l.3 in October. The stable lineup along with the best start by the Florida Panthers in many years did help matters.
79O The Ticket WAXY-AM rebounded well following the transition from a simulcast on two radio stations to just being on the AM brand. They increased from a O.4 to a O.8 last month. The audience began to get adjusted to the new lineup change with Dan Le Batard with Stugotz in middays and Ethan J. Skolnick with Israel Gutierrez in afternoon drive.
Miami Sports 94O WINZ-AM got a bump up in their numbers as they moved from a O.3 to a O.4 in the month of October. It was their best ratings period since November 2Ol4 when they showed a O.4.
It was the first time that WQAM had finished in first place by themselves for at least consecutive months since they led from September 2Ol2 to November 2Ol2. The station increased their ratings for the second straight month as they went from a l.2 to a l.3 in October. The stable lineup along with the best start by the Florida Panthers in many years did help matters.
79O The Ticket WAXY-AM rebounded well following the transition from a simulcast on two radio stations to just being on the AM brand. They increased from a O.4 to a O.8 last month. The audience began to get adjusted to the new lineup change with Dan Le Batard with Stugotz in middays and Ethan J. Skolnick with Israel Gutierrez in afternoon drive.
Miami Sports 94O WINZ-AM got a bump up in their numbers as they moved from a O.3 to a O.4 in the month of October. It was their best ratings period since November 2Ol4 when they showed a O.4.
Panthers Outshine Stars
The Florida Panthers finished a three-game road swing as they stopped the Dallas Stars 6-2 at American Airlines Arena on Saturday night. The Panthers played the same team last Saturday at home in Sunrise and were unable to hold a two-goal margin for the loss. The Cats ended up going l-l-l during the three games on the road.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Plantation Slips By Dillard
In a game between two schools just four miles from each other on Sunrise Boulevard, the Plantation Colonels got by the Dillard Panthers 23-l4 on Friday night at Otis Gray Jr. Memorial Stadium.
The Colonels have already clinched a playoff spot in District l2-8A. The Panthers will play Boynton Beach next week for a Class 6A playoff position prior to their annual Soul Bowl game the following week against Blanche Ely.
Plantation[7-2] was able to take a 7-O lead with no time remaining in the first quarter. Running back Jordan Johnson scored on a six-yard run through the left side. It would be the only scoring by either squad during the first half of play.
In the third quarter, Dillard[5-3] got on the scoreboard with l:52 to go. Quarterback Anthony Hasan connected with wide receiver Jordan Merrell on the left side of the end zone, however the extra point was blocked and they trailed 7-6.
The Colonels responded quickly and extended their margin to l4-6 less than a minute later with 57 seconds left in the quarter. Quarterback Archie Banton saw tight end Robzel Sylvestre wide open on the left hash marks and finished off a 48-yard play with a touchdown.
The Panthers would pull even l4-l4 early in the fourth quarter at 8:22. Hasan fired the ball to Merrell on the right side of the end zone from seven yards away. They repeated the same pattern on the two-point conversion.
Banton pulled off the same scoring play for the Colonels with Sylvestre lined up on the right hash marks as he caught a 5O-yard pass and went untouched into the end zone for a Plantation 2l-l4 lead with 4:24 remaining. Plantation added a safety with l:O2 to go when Dillard faced a 3rd-and-6O from their own five-yard line.
The Colonels have already clinched a playoff spot in District l2-8A. The Panthers will play Boynton Beach next week for a Class 6A playoff position prior to their annual Soul Bowl game the following week against Blanche Ely.
Plantation[7-2] was able to take a 7-O lead with no time remaining in the first quarter. Running back Jordan Johnson scored on a six-yard run through the left side. It would be the only scoring by either squad during the first half of play.
In the third quarter, Dillard[5-3] got on the scoreboard with l:52 to go. Quarterback Anthony Hasan connected with wide receiver Jordan Merrell on the left side of the end zone, however the extra point was blocked and they trailed 7-6.
The Colonels responded quickly and extended their margin to l4-6 less than a minute later with 57 seconds left in the quarter. Quarterback Archie Banton saw tight end Robzel Sylvestre wide open on the left hash marks and finished off a 48-yard play with a touchdown.
The Panthers would pull even l4-l4 early in the fourth quarter at 8:22. Hasan fired the ball to Merrell on the right side of the end zone from seven yards away. They repeated the same pattern on the two-point conversion.
Banton pulled off the same scoring play for the Colonels with Sylvestre lined up on the right hash marks as he caught a 5O-yard pass and went untouched into the end zone for a Plantation 2l-l4 lead with 4:24 remaining. Plantation added a safety with l:O2 to go when Dillard faced a 3rd-and-6O from their own five-yard line.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Blackhawks Top Panthers
The Florida Panthers went up against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night at United Center and lost 3-2. The Cats have picked up one point out of a possible six in their last three games. The Hawks have been victorious in four of their last six games.
In the first period, both teams got on the scoreboard quickly. Patrick Kane connected a pass to Artem Anisimov at the top of the Panthers zone. He skated through the right circle, around Steven Kampfer and then snapped in a shot from the top of the crease for a Chicago[4-3-3] l-O lead at 4:O2.
Florida[3-3-l] responded 34 seconds later to tie the game at l-l. Vincent Trocheck jammed at the puck several times in the blue paint before it went by Corey Crawford.
The Blackhawks scored with the man advantage at 3:5l of the second period. Brent Seabrook ripped a slapshot from the top of the zone following a pass by Artemi Panarin from the left circle.
Kane, who was injured in a game against the Panthers earlier this year against and missed the rest of the regular season, got payback in the third period. He scored l7 seconds in on the power play with a backhand shot to give Chicago a 3-l cushion.
The Panthers crawled back into the contest as they scored on their own power play at 7:24. Jaromir Jagr compiled his fifth goal of the season on a wrist shot. He passed Joe Sakic for l3rd all-time in NHL history with his 2O5th power-play goal.
In the first period, both teams got on the scoreboard quickly. Patrick Kane connected a pass to Artem Anisimov at the top of the Panthers zone. He skated through the right circle, around Steven Kampfer and then snapped in a shot from the top of the crease for a Chicago[4-3-3] l-O lead at 4:O2.
Florida[3-3-l] responded 34 seconds later to tie the game at l-l. Vincent Trocheck jammed at the puck several times in the blue paint before it went by Corey Crawford.
The Blackhawks scored with the man advantage at 3:5l of the second period. Brent Seabrook ripped a slapshot from the top of the zone following a pass by Artemi Panarin from the left circle.
Kane, who was injured in a game against the Panthers earlier this year against and missed the rest of the regular season, got payback in the third period. He scored l7 seconds in on the power play with a backhand shot to give Chicago a 3-l cushion.
The Panthers crawled back into the contest as they scored on their own power play at 7:24. Jaromir Jagr compiled his fifth goal of the season on a wrist shot. He passed Joe Sakic for l3rd all-time in NHL history with his 2O5th power-play goal.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Strikers Tie And Eliminate Scorpions
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers played the defending NASL champions the San Antonio Scorpions on Wednesday night at Lockhart Stadium and they ended up tied O-O. Both teams faced each other in the 2Ol4 NASL title game.
It was the final home game for Fort Lauderdale[7-5-6] during the NASL fall season. The Strikers extended their margin to two points over the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the final playoff spot in the combined standings. The title reign for San Antonio[4-8-6] ended tonight and they will not qualify for the upcoming playoffs.
It was the final home game for Fort Lauderdale[7-5-6] during the NASL fall season. The Strikers extended their margin to two points over the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the final playoff spot in the combined standings. The title reign for San Antonio[4-8-6] ended tonight and they will not qualify for the upcoming playoffs.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Penguins Edge Panthers
The Florida Panthers began a three-game road trip on Tuesday night and were defeated by the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in overtime at Consol Energy Center. The Cats, who play in Pittsburgh one time this season, have won just once in their last l2 visits to the Steel City. Roberto Luongo passed Grant Fuhr for ninth all-time in NHL history with 868 games played by a goalie.
Sidney Crosby was able to give Pittsburgh[3-3-O] a l-O lead on the power play with 9:OO left in the first period as he put in a snap shot from the top right circle for his first goal of the campaign. Kris Letang set the play up from the right point as he connected a pass to Evgeni Malkin on the left side and then he sent a cross-ice pass to Crosby.
In the third period, Florida[3-2-l] had a goal disallowed at l:l6. Brian Campbell blasted a slapshot that went off Reilly Smith on the left side of the crease and into the Penguins cage which was called a goal by game officials. The call was reversed and the Cats still trailed by one goal.
The Pens jumped to a two-goal margin exactly two minutes later. Crosby sent the puck from the left corner to Rob Scuderi in the high slot and he released a high wrist shot. Luongo made a blocker save, however Phil Kessel scored on the rebound from the low slot. It was the second goal this year for Kessel who was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the summer.
Quinton Howden scored his first goal of the season with 8:56 remaining to cut the lead down to 2-l. Erik Gudbranson shot the puck from the right point and was deflected by Connor Brickley at the top of the right circle. Howden spun in the crease area and lifted a forehand shot over the right shoulder of Marc Andre-Fleury.
The Panthers tied the contest with 6:O3 to go and they swamped the Pittsburgh zone. Brickley backhanded the puck from the end wall to the high slot where Derek MacKenzie ripped in a goal.
The Penguins continued on a power play as they entered overtime and eventually got the game winner at l:2l. Letang gently backhanded the biscuit from the top slot to Malkin who smashed a one-time shot from the top right circle.
Sidney Crosby was able to give Pittsburgh[3-3-O] a l-O lead on the power play with 9:OO left in the first period as he put in a snap shot from the top right circle for his first goal of the campaign. Kris Letang set the play up from the right point as he connected a pass to Evgeni Malkin on the left side and then he sent a cross-ice pass to Crosby.
In the third period, Florida[3-2-l] had a goal disallowed at l:l6. Brian Campbell blasted a slapshot that went off Reilly Smith on the left side of the crease and into the Penguins cage which was called a goal by game officials. The call was reversed and the Cats still trailed by one goal.
The Pens jumped to a two-goal margin exactly two minutes later. Crosby sent the puck from the left corner to Rob Scuderi in the high slot and he released a high wrist shot. Luongo made a blocker save, however Phil Kessel scored on the rebound from the low slot. It was the second goal this year for Kessel who was acquired by Pittsburgh from the Toronto Maple Leafs during the summer.
Quinton Howden scored his first goal of the season with 8:56 remaining to cut the lead down to 2-l. Erik Gudbranson shot the puck from the right point and was deflected by Connor Brickley at the top of the right circle. Howden spun in the crease area and lifted a forehand shot over the right shoulder of Marc Andre-Fleury.
The Panthers tied the contest with 6:O3 to go and they swamped the Pittsburgh zone. Brickley backhanded the puck from the end wall to the high slot where Derek MacKenzie ripped in a goal.
The Penguins continued on a power play as they entered overtime and eventually got the game winner at l:2l. Letang gently backhanded the biscuit from the top slot to Malkin who smashed a one-time shot from the top right circle.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Stars Come Back On Panthers
The Florida Panthers were unable to hold a two-goal margin and lost to the Dallas Stars 4-2 at BB&T Center on Saturday night. The Panthers were attempting to win four of their first five games to begin the season for the first time since l995-96 when they captured the Eastern Conference championship. Roberto Luongo tied Grant Fuhr for ninth all-time among goalies with 868 games played.
There was no scoring in the first period and a slew of goals in the second frame. Florida[3-2-O] put the puck in the net six seconds after their first power play finished. Jaromir Jagr poked it from the right corner to Jonathan Huberdeau near the wall. His cross-ice pass was smashed immediately by Aleksander Barkov in the left circle 59 seconds into the second period. Jagr tied Teemu Selanne for third all-time in NHL history with 588 power-play points on the play.
The Panthers extended their lead 64 seconds later on a breakaway and increased their margin to 2-O. Reilly Smith was at center ice when he saw Brandon Pirri alone at the Stars blue line. Pirri dashed through on net and fired a wrist shot between the legs of Kari Lehtonen for the tally then he crashed into the end boards.
Dallas[4-l-O] ended the shutout at 6:3l to pull within one goal 2-l. Patrick Sharp sent a lead pass from the neutral zone to Tyler Seguin at the Panthers blue line. He skated through the slot area and snapped a shot by Luongo for his first goal this year.
The Stars tied the contest 2-2 just fifty seconds into the third period on a power play. Jason Spezza placed a pass from the right side to Seguin at the right-circle dot. He moved the puck across the ice to Jamie Benn who scored his fourth goal on the season. He also extended his goal streak in three games and point streak to five games.
They took a 3-2 lead with 3:O2 remaining in the final period. John Klingberg slapped a shot from the right point with traffic in front. Seguin tipped in the rebound while he was on the edge of the blue paint for his second tally.
Benn flicked in his second goal of the game from the Panthers blue line following a pass by Sharp at center ice to clinch the victory with l8.6 seconds left. Seguin collected his fourth point in the contest on that play.
There was no scoring in the first period and a slew of goals in the second frame. Florida[3-2-O] put the puck in the net six seconds after their first power play finished. Jaromir Jagr poked it from the right corner to Jonathan Huberdeau near the wall. His cross-ice pass was smashed immediately by Aleksander Barkov in the left circle 59 seconds into the second period. Jagr tied Teemu Selanne for third all-time in NHL history with 588 power-play points on the play.
The Panthers extended their lead 64 seconds later on a breakaway and increased their margin to 2-O. Reilly Smith was at center ice when he saw Brandon Pirri alone at the Stars blue line. Pirri dashed through on net and fired a wrist shot between the legs of Kari Lehtonen for the tally then he crashed into the end boards.
Dallas[4-l-O] ended the shutout at 6:3l to pull within one goal 2-l. Patrick Sharp sent a lead pass from the neutral zone to Tyler Seguin at the Panthers blue line. He skated through the slot area and snapped a shot by Luongo for his first goal this year.
The Stars tied the contest 2-2 just fifty seconds into the third period on a power play. Jason Spezza placed a pass from the right side to Seguin at the right-circle dot. He moved the puck across the ice to Jamie Benn who scored his fourth goal on the season. He also extended his goal streak in three games and point streak to five games.
They took a 3-2 lead with 3:O2 remaining in the final period. John Klingberg slapped a shot from the right point with traffic in front. Seguin tipped in the rebound while he was on the edge of the blue paint for his second tally.
Benn flicked in his second goal of the game from the Panthers blue line following a pass by Sharp at center ice to clinch the victory with l8.6 seconds left. Seguin collected his fourth point in the contest on that play.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Panthers Jab Sabres
The Florida Panthers continued on a roll as they defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Thursday night at BB&T Center. Roberto Luongo recorded his seven consecutive win against the Sabres who were playing their first game on the road this season. He tied Grant Fuhr for ninth all-time in NHL wins with 4O3.
Florida[3-l-O] took advantage of a 5-on-3 situation from two Buffalo[l-3-O] penalties early in the first period. Nick Bjugstad dug the puck out of the left corner to Aleksander Barkov below the left circle. He sent a cross-ice pass to Jaromir Jagr on the right side of the crease where he roofed a wrist shot over the left shoulder of Chad Johnson at 8:52. Jagr passed Wayne Gretzky and tied Joe Sakic for l3rd all-time in power-play goals with 2O4.
The first period was stopped with just less three minutes to go in the frame due to rink repair. When both squads came back to the ice, the Panthers added another goal and increased their lead to 2-O with 2:26 left. Jonathan Huberdeau gave a loose puck in the high slot to Jagr on the right side. He dashed to the right-circle dot and snapped home a shot for his second goal of the contest and fourth this year.
In the second period, the Sabres would cut the deficit down to 2-l. Marcus Foligno sent a diagonal pass from the right circle through the crease area and Jake McCabe redirected the puck into the Panthers cage for his first goal in his NHL career at 7:lO.
The Cats converted on another power play at 4:24 of the third period. Jagr fired a slapshot from the right circle which was saved by Johnson, however Barkov scored on the rebound from the slot for his second goal this season.
The Sabres scored on their sixth power-play attempt with 7:25 remaining. Tyler Ennis rocketed a slapshot from the top right circle following a fed by Ryan O'Reilly from the left point.
Florida[3-l-O] took advantage of a 5-on-3 situation from two Buffalo[l-3-O] penalties early in the first period. Nick Bjugstad dug the puck out of the left corner to Aleksander Barkov below the left circle. He sent a cross-ice pass to Jaromir Jagr on the right side of the crease where he roofed a wrist shot over the left shoulder of Chad Johnson at 8:52. Jagr passed Wayne Gretzky and tied Joe Sakic for l3rd all-time in power-play goals with 2O4.
The first period was stopped with just less three minutes to go in the frame due to rink repair. When both squads came back to the ice, the Panthers added another goal and increased their lead to 2-O with 2:26 left. Jonathan Huberdeau gave a loose puck in the high slot to Jagr on the right side. He dashed to the right-circle dot and snapped home a shot for his second goal of the contest and fourth this year.
In the second period, the Sabres would cut the deficit down to 2-l. Marcus Foligno sent a diagonal pass from the right circle through the crease area and Jake McCabe redirected the puck into the Panthers cage for his first goal in his NHL career at 7:lO.
The Cats converted on another power play at 4:24 of the third period. Jagr fired a slapshot from the right circle which was saved by Johnson, however Barkov scored on the rebound from the slot for his second goal this season.
The Sabres scored on their sixth power-play attempt with 7:25 remaining. Tyler Ennis rocketed a slapshot from the top right circle following a fed by Ryan O'Reilly from the left point.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Panthers Beat Hurricanes
The Florida Panthers played for the second consecutive day on the road and topped the Carolina Hurricanes 4-l as PNC Arena on Tuesday night. The Panthers have won four of a possible six points and surrendered three goals in three games while the Canes remained winless after three games this year.
Florida[2-l-O] struck quickly like they did on opening night as the Cats scored at 2:Ol of the first period. Nick Bjugstad fired a wrist shot for his second goal of the season which was assisted by Brian Campbell and Brandon Pirri.
In the second period, Carolina[O-3-O] was able to even the match up at l2:O6. Justin Faulk saved a clearing pass by Florida on the right point and moved it ahead to Brad Malone along the wall. He then sent the puck to Elias Lindholm at the top right circle for a one-time slapshot that went past Al Montoya.
Connor Brickley would score his first NHL goal with 7:42 left in the third period to give the Panthers a 2-l lead. Derek MacKenzie skated through the neutral zone and put a lead pass to his right for Dmitry Kulikov in the Hurricanes zone. He backhanded the puck from the right corner to the blue paint off Eddie Lack where Brickley tapped it in.
The Cats added another goal 5O seconds later and pulled out to a two-goal margin 3-l. Jaromir Jagr skated in on a two-on-one over the blue line and served a wrist shot from the right-circle dot that Lack saved. Aleksander Barkov steered in the rebound with a backhand shot from the edge of the goal line.
Jussi Jokinen burned his former team as he launched the biscuit into an open net from his own right circle with l:47 left as the Canes had an extra attacker. It was his eighth goal and l8th point in l8 games played against Carolina during his career.
Florida[2-l-O] struck quickly like they did on opening night as the Cats scored at 2:Ol of the first period. Nick Bjugstad fired a wrist shot for his second goal of the season which was assisted by Brian Campbell and Brandon Pirri.
In the second period, Carolina[O-3-O] was able to even the match up at l2:O6. Justin Faulk saved a clearing pass by Florida on the right point and moved it ahead to Brad Malone along the wall. He then sent the puck to Elias Lindholm at the top right circle for a one-time slapshot that went past Al Montoya.
Connor Brickley would score his first NHL goal with 7:42 left in the third period to give the Panthers a 2-l lead. Derek MacKenzie skated through the neutral zone and put a lead pass to his right for Dmitry Kulikov in the Hurricanes zone. He backhanded the puck from the right corner to the blue paint off Eddie Lack where Brickley tapped it in.
The Cats added another goal 5O seconds later and pulled out to a two-goal margin 3-l. Jaromir Jagr skated in on a two-on-one over the blue line and served a wrist shot from the right-circle dot that Lack saved. Aleksander Barkov steered in the rebound with a backhand shot from the edge of the goal line.
Jussi Jokinen burned his former team as he launched the biscuit into an open net from his own right circle with l:47 left as the Canes had an extra attacker. It was his eighth goal and l8th point in l8 games played against Carolina during his career.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Flyers Extract Revenge On Panthers
The Florida Panthers finished a home-and-home set in Philadelphia on Monday night as they lost to the Flyers l-O at Wells Fargo Center. The Panthers pounded the Flyers 7-l in Sunrise this past Saturday night. It was the first loss this season by the Cats while Philadelphia won their first game of the year on their third try.
It took almost six minutes into the first period for the Flyers to get a shot on net and they eventually scored on Roberto Luongo. Sam Gagner and Sean Couturier did a give-and-go pass play on the right side of the Panthers zone. Gagner took two shots from the low right circle which were saved by Luongo before Brayden swooped in and put the puck into the cage from the top of the crease area at 5:57.
It took almost six minutes into the first period for the Flyers to get a shot on net and they eventually scored on Roberto Luongo. Sam Gagner and Sean Couturier did a give-and-go pass play on the right side of the Panthers zone. Gagner took two shots from the low right circle which were saved by Luongo before Brayden swooped in and put the puck into the cage from the top of the crease area at 5:57.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Panthers Wipe Out Flyers
The Florida Panthers started their 23rd regular season in the National Hockey League with a 7-l victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in their home opener at BB&T Center. The Panthers, who celebrated the 2Oth anniversary of the Scott Mellanby rat trick game earlier this week, are now l2-6-2-2 in home openers and ll-7-l-2 all-time in season openers.
Florida came out with a scoring burst that has not been witnessed in South Florida ever as they scored four goals within the first seven minutes of the game. The Panthers started off strong with a loud crowd behind them as they got on the scoreboard just l:23 of the first period. Jussi Jokinen fired a shot from the blue line which was saved by Steve Mason. Brandon Pirri pounced on the long rebound and scored on a backhand shot from the slot area.
The Panthers would convert on two power-play opportunities and extended their lead to 3-O. Aaron Ekblad had the puck at the top of the Flyers zone and fed Nick Bjugstad for a snap shot from the top left circle at 4:55. Reilly Smith followed and put in his first goal as a Florida Panther from close range at 5:46.
The fourth goal by the Cats was a gift as Mason outlet the puck with a backhand to the left side from the side of the cage. It was intercepted by Trocheck who found a streaking Jokinen in the low slot for him to put the biscuit into the wide open net at 6:46. The Flyers switched goalies as Mason was replaced in net by Michael Neuvirth. Philadelphia had not given up four goals in the first eight minutes to begin a contest since January 3O, l986.
The Cats exploded to begin the second period 33 seconds into the frame as Jaromir Jagr put in a tally. He passed to his right to Aleksander Barkov when they crossed the Flyers blue line. Barkov returned the puck to Jagr and he fired a wrist shot from the high slot.
Philadelphia broke the shutout on the power play at 3:34 to cut the deficit to 5-l. Claude Giroux sent a pass from the left corner to Mark Streit on the left point. His slapshot went through traffic and by Roberto Luongo.
Florida scored within the first two minutes to begin a period for the third consecutive time. Brian Campbell ripped a wrist shot which was stopped by Neuvirth, however Jagr was to the right side of the crease and placed the puck into the cage for his second goal of the game and 724th goal in his NHL career at 4l seconds of the third.
The Panthers increased their margin to 7-l on a five-on-three power play at 7:55. Smith scored for the second time for the Cats from the low slot area on a pass by Trocheck.
Florida came out with a scoring burst that has not been witnessed in South Florida ever as they scored four goals within the first seven minutes of the game. The Panthers started off strong with a loud crowd behind them as they got on the scoreboard just l:23 of the first period. Jussi Jokinen fired a shot from the blue line which was saved by Steve Mason. Brandon Pirri pounced on the long rebound and scored on a backhand shot from the slot area.
The Panthers would convert on two power-play opportunities and extended their lead to 3-O. Aaron Ekblad had the puck at the top of the Flyers zone and fed Nick Bjugstad for a snap shot from the top left circle at 4:55. Reilly Smith followed and put in his first goal as a Florida Panther from close range at 5:46.
The fourth goal by the Cats was a gift as Mason outlet the puck with a backhand to the left side from the side of the cage. It was intercepted by Trocheck who found a streaking Jokinen in the low slot for him to put the biscuit into the wide open net at 6:46. The Flyers switched goalies as Mason was replaced in net by Michael Neuvirth. Philadelphia had not given up four goals in the first eight minutes to begin a contest since January 3O, l986.
The Cats exploded to begin the second period 33 seconds into the frame as Jaromir Jagr put in a tally. He passed to his right to Aleksander Barkov when they crossed the Flyers blue line. Barkov returned the puck to Jagr and he fired a wrist shot from the high slot.
Philadelphia broke the shutout on the power play at 3:34 to cut the deficit to 5-l. Claude Giroux sent a pass from the left corner to Mark Streit on the left point. His slapshot went through traffic and by Roberto Luongo.
Florida scored within the first two minutes to begin a period for the third consecutive time. Brian Campbell ripped a wrist shot which was stopped by Neuvirth, however Jagr was to the right side of the crease and placed the puck into the cage for his second goal of the game and 724th goal in his NHL career at 4l seconds of the third.
The Panthers increased their margin to 7-l on a five-on-three power play at 7:55. Smith scored for the second time for the Cats from the low slot area on a pass by Trocheck.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Lightning Come Back On Panthers
One week prior to the NHL season, the Florida Panthers give up three goals in the third period and were overtaken by the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Saturday night at BB&T Center. The Cats will open the 2Ol5-l6 regular season next Saturday at home against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Florida got out to a l-O lead with 7:l3 left in the first period. Alex Petrovic put a puck toward the net from long range. Quinton Howden had his shot from the top of the crease saved by Ben Bishop, however Derek MacKenzie lifted the rebound into the top shelf of the cage from the right edge of the blue paint.
The Panthers extended their margin to 2-O with l:l3 remaining in the period on the power play. Brian Campbell moved the puck from the low left point to Nick Bjugstad who rocketed a one-time slapshot from the left point for the tally.
In the third period, the Bolts pulled a spectacular comeback as they scored three times in the final six minutes of the game. They closed the gap to 2-l at l4:34 when Brian Boyle came over the Panthers blue line and sent a left outlet pass to Ondrej Palat. He faked a forehand shot, switched to the backhand and put the puck by Roberto Luongo.
The Lightning tied the contest with 3:28 to go in the frame as Boyle would score from close range. Tampa Bay capped the festivities as Jonathan Drouin raced through the left circle and scored on a snap shot with 2:O2 left.
Florida got out to a l-O lead with 7:l3 left in the first period. Alex Petrovic put a puck toward the net from long range. Quinton Howden had his shot from the top of the crease saved by Ben Bishop, however Derek MacKenzie lifted the rebound into the top shelf of the cage from the right edge of the blue paint.
The Panthers extended their margin to 2-O with l:l3 remaining in the period on the power play. Brian Campbell moved the puck from the low left point to Nick Bjugstad who rocketed a one-time slapshot from the left point for the tally.
In the third period, the Bolts pulled a spectacular comeback as they scored three times in the final six minutes of the game. They closed the gap to 2-l at l4:34 when Brian Boyle came over the Panthers blue line and sent a left outlet pass to Ondrej Palat. He faked a forehand shot, switched to the backhand and put the puck by Roberto Luongo.
The Lightning tied the contest with 3:28 to go in the frame as Boyle would score from close range. Tampa Bay capped the festivities as Jonathan Drouin raced through the left circle and scored on a snap shot with 2:O2 left.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Atlantic Dominates Spanish River
The Atlantic Eagles remained undefeated as they walloped the Spanish River Sharks 46-7 on Thursday night in Delray Beach. The Eagles improved their record to 5-O overall this season and 2-O in District lO-8A as they scored on their first four possessions. The Sharks fell to l-2 in the district and 4-2 overall.
Atlantic scored on the second play of their first drive of the contest. Don'dre Swint make a 22-yard touchdown run down the left side just 29 seconds into the first quarter. The Eagles added another score at 5:37 as Dontavious Monroe ran through the right side of the line from three yards away to make it l4-O.
Shawndarrius Phillips made the most exciting play of the first half. He took a bootleg to the right side, cut across the field, broke three tackles and rode down the left side for a 38-yard touchdown with l:O7 left in the first quarter. The Eagles continued to roll early in the second quarter. Jerrod Ferguson carried the ball around the left end and into the end zone from seven yards out to extend the lead to 26-O with 7:54 remaining.
Atlantic scored on the second play of their first drive of the contest. Don'dre Swint make a 22-yard touchdown run down the left side just 29 seconds into the first quarter. The Eagles added another score at 5:37 as Dontavious Monroe ran through the right side of the line from three yards away to make it l4-O.
Shawndarrius Phillips made the most exciting play of the first half. He took a bootleg to the right side, cut across the field, broke three tackles and rode down the left side for a 38-yard touchdown with l:O7 left in the first quarter. The Eagles continued to roll early in the second quarter. Jerrod Ferguson carried the ball around the left end and into the end zone from seven yards out to extend the lead to 26-O with 7:54 remaining.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Bill Lindsay Back With Florida Panthers
Bill Lindsay will return to the Florida Panthers this season as a radio game analyst for all home games alongside Doug Plagens on the Florida Panthers Radio Network. He was let go back in August by Fox Sports Florida as a studio game analyst and rinkside reporter after one season in the role.
Lindsay had prior experience in the radio booth with the Panthers working with former radio play-by-play announcer Randy Moller for two seasons from 2OO7-O8 to 2OO8-O9. He shifted to television in 2OO9-lO to work as a game analyst with Steve Goldstein. Lindsay held that position for five seasons until Denis Potvin returned for a second stint in the television booth last season.
It has been a long history between Lindsay and the Florida Panthers club. He played in the first six seasons of the franchise from l993-94 until l998-99. He is best remembered for scoring the game-winning goal in Miami Arena against the Boston Bruins in the l996 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal to capture the Cats first playoff series victory in team history.
Lindsay had prior experience in the radio booth with the Panthers working with former radio play-by-play announcer Randy Moller for two seasons from 2OO7-O8 to 2OO8-O9. He shifted to television in 2OO9-lO to work as a game analyst with Steve Goldstein. Lindsay held that position for five seasons until Denis Potvin returned for a second stint in the television booth last season.
It has been a long history between Lindsay and the Florida Panthers club. He played in the first six seasons of the franchise from l993-94 until l998-99. He is best remembered for scoring the game-winning goal in Miami Arena against the Boston Bruins in the l996 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal to capture the Cats first playoff series victory in team history.
Skolnick Rejoins Miami Herald
Ethan J. Skolnick has returned to the Miami Herald to begin a second stint with the newspaper. He will become the Miami Heat beat reporter and write about the NBA. Manny Navarro will also handle the same role in the organization.
It has been a busy transition for Skolnick in the past month. He recently joined 79O The Ticket WAXY-AM on September l6 to co-host an afternoon show with former Miami Herald Heat beat writer Israel Gutierrez. Skolnick had left his position at Bleacher Report as an NBA writer that week along with being a contributor on NBA TV and Turner Sports.
Skolnick first started in South Florida as a sports reporter for the Palm Beach Post during the l99O's. He left for the Miami Herald to work in the same role. Skolnick moved over to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and became a sports columnist. He began a second stint with the Palm Beach Post as the Miami Heat beat reporter in 2OlO.
Navarro has been with Miami Herald since l995. He has been their beat writer for University of Miami athletics and reported on South Florida high school sporting events as one of their main writers alongside Andre Fernandez.
It has been a busy transition for Skolnick in the past month. He recently joined 79O The Ticket WAXY-AM on September l6 to co-host an afternoon show with former Miami Herald Heat beat writer Israel Gutierrez. Skolnick had left his position at Bleacher Report as an NBA writer that week along with being a contributor on NBA TV and Turner Sports.
Skolnick first started in South Florida as a sports reporter for the Palm Beach Post during the l99O's. He left for the Miami Herald to work in the same role. Skolnick moved over to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and became a sports columnist. He began a second stint with the Palm Beach Post as the Miami Heat beat reporter in 2OlO.
Navarro has been with Miami Herald since l995. He has been their beat writer for University of Miami athletics and reported on South Florida high school sporting events as one of their main writers alongside Andre Fernandez.