Recap of Florida Panthers vs. Montreal Canadiens | 02/29/24…
The Panthers faced off against the Canadiens in their latest matchup, marking their second encounter since December. Despite a previous win during their nine-game winning streak, last night’s victory secured the series lead for the Panthers. With one more match slated for April, anticipation builds as the Canadiens seek redemption following the Cats’ shootout win on Thursday.
The game saw significant action from both teams’ special teams units, with a total of 22 penalty minutes incurred. Notably, Reinhart, breaking his scoring drought, netted two goals, both during special teams plays. The Panthers clinched the win in a shootout, propelled by standout performances from Barkov, Lundell, and Stolarz. This victory marked the Panthers’ fifth consecutive game decided by a single goal, demonstrating their resilience and ability to grind out wins.
Key to the game was the emphasis on special teams. Both teams witnessed ample power play opportunities, with each capitalizing on one goal during the man advantage. However, the Panthers’ defense shone during short-handed situations, with Stolarz thwarting Montreal’s short-handed chances and Reinhart converting one such opportunity into a goal. Reinhart’s stellar performance not only ended his goal drought but also propelled him to the forefront of NHL statistics, leading in power play goals and sharing the top spot for short-handed goals.
Reinhart’s resurgence in goal-scoring was particularly significant following a post-All-Star break decline attributed to opponents’ focused defense. Despite his earlier struggles, Reinhart’s two-goal performance against the Canadiens showcased his offensive prowess, bringing him closer to franchise records.
The game extended into a shootout, where the Panthers showcased their proficiency in shootout situations. Stolarz’s goaltending heroics combined with successful shots from Barkov and Lundell secured the win. Lundell’s impressive move underscored the team’s confidence in his abilities, reflecting his growing impact as the season progresses.
With the homestand concluded, the Panthers now prepare to face Detroit on the road, aiming to maintain their momentum.
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