Panthers Fight Off Flyers

     The Florida Panthers edged the Philadelphia Flyers 2-1 on Thursday night at Amerant Bank Arena. It was the season-opening game for the Flyers, who will host Florida on Monday. The Panthers will conclude their three-game homestand on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators.

     After a scoreless first period, Florida(2-0-0) scooted out to a 1-0 lead on the man advantage at the 5:29 mark of the second period. Jeff Petry made a right-outlet pass from his own zone and Evan Rodrigues carried the puck through the neutral zone. He centered it from the right wing and Anton Lundell placed a wrist shot from the inner right circle past Dan Vladar for his first goal of the 2025-26 campaign. It was the first point for Petry in a Panthers uniform. 

     Philadelphia(0-1-0) tied it up 1-1 with 2:12 left in the second. Noah Cates won a faceoff in the left circle and Tyson Foerster shot the puck from the high slot which was saved by Sergei Bobrovsky. Cates followed with a forehand shot from the top of the crease.

     In the third period, the Panthers took a 2-1 lead at 2:19. A.J. Greer passed the puck above the right circle and Luke Kunin's shot went wide of the net. Brad Marchand snapped a high shot from the left wing for his 981th NHL point.