Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Panthers Sail By Sharks

     Joe Thornton made his return to Northern California as the Florida Panthers edged the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in overtime at SAP Center on Tuesday night. The Panthers have won six of their last seven games. 
     Thornton, who was given a video tribute by the Sharks franchise early in the first period, played 15 seasons with the Sharks from 2005-06 until 2019-20. He had 251 goals and 804 assists for 1,055 points in 1,104 games. 
     The Panthers compiled their eighth overtime victory this season, which tied the Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings for the top spot. Florida got their NHL-leading 18th overtime win since the start of the 2020-21 campaign. 
     San Jose(26-25-8) struck first on the power play to go up 1-0 at the 8:19. Logan Corture beat Spencer Knight from close range for his 20th goal of the season. 
     Florida(41-13-6) picked up a shorthanded with 8:39 left in the first to tie it up 1-1. Jonathan Huberdeau came in on net and placed in his 19th goal this season. Huberdeau had not scored a road goal since January 23 in Seattle. 
     The Sharks reclaimed the lead 2-1 with 6:02 remaining in the frame. Nicolas Meloche chalked up his second goal of the year. 
     In the third period, the Panthers evened it 2-2 at 3:29. Noel Acciari fed the puck to the slot area and Frank Vatrano snapped a shot by former Florida goalie James Riemer for his ninth tally of the campaign. 
     The Cats won the same way in overtime like they did against the Sharks earlier this season. Vatrano fired a one-time slap shot from the high slot for his second goal of the contest and 10th goal of the season. Gustav Forsling and Sam Reinhart were credited with assists on the play. 

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