SUNRISE, Florida (AP) ― The Florida Panthers’ scoring difficulties ended at the right time.
Coming into Tuesday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Panthers had not scored more than three goals since Dec. 5, a span of nine games, including an 8-0 loss in their last game against Boston.
However, the Panthers broke out of their drought as Kris Versteeg and Jason Garrison scored power play goals for the Panthers in a 5-3 win over the Maple Leafs.
“That’s what we were really looking for,” Panthers coach Kevin Dineen said. “They’re a really good hockey team. We’re so respectful of the talent and that’s not just blabber after the game. We really were worried about the speed and the skill that they have and sometimes the best defense is a good offense.”
Erik Gundbranson, Bill Thomas, and Tomas Fleischmann also scored for the Panthers, and Brian Campbell had three assists.
“Right now with so many guys out, we may have to win games 1-0, 2-1, obviously it’s nice to get a few,” Campbell said.
Jose Theodore stopped 29 of 32 shots for the Panthers, who snapped a three-game losing streak.
Mikhail Grabovski scored two goals to lead for the Leafs. Dion Phaneuf also scored.
Florida was 2 for 3 on the power play. Toronto was 1 for 4.
The Maple Leafs trailed 4-2 in the third when Grabovski and Jake Gardiner hit the post on consecutive long shots.
Penguins 4, Hurricanes 2
Flames 2, Blue Jackets 1
Canadiens 6, Senators 2
Lightning 5, Flyers 1
Red Wings 3, Blues 2
Jets 4, Avalanche 1
