Panthers Rush Flames

     The Florida Panthers handled the Calgary Flames 3-0 at Amerant Bank Arena on Saturday. The Panthers swept the Battle of Alberta over the past three days with victories over the Edmonton Oilers and Flames from that province. 

     Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky collected his 47th career shutout and passed John Vanbiesbrouck for third all-time in Panthers history with his 14th shutout. The Panthers have won eight of their last 10 contests. 

     Former Florida Panthers right wing Ryan Lomberg was honored with a video tribute during the opening period. It was also the return for one-time Panthers players Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. 

     After a scoreless first period, Florida(37-21-3) make it 1-0 at the 4:47 mark of the second period. Nate Schmidt angled a backhand pass from the right point. A.J. Greer made a touch pass in the low slot area. Jonah Gadjovich then volleyed in a rebound shot from the right goal line past Dan Vladar for his third goal of the year. 

     The Panthers expanded their lead to 2-0 with 35.2 seconds remaining in the second. Sam Bennett sent a square pass in the high slot and Aaron Ekblad pushed the puck ahead from the top right circle. Evan Rodrigues centered the puck from the right side of the crease and it went off the goalie's stick into the cage for his 14th goal of the campaign. 

     Calgary(28-23-8) surrendered another goal with 3:52 left in the third period. Rodrigues dropped off a pass at the top of the zone and Bennett zipped a diagonal pass from the high slot. Mackie Samoskevich skated through the right circle and scored his 10th goal this season on a backhand shot at the top of the crease.