The Florida Panthers came up short after a furious comeback attempt against the Ottawa Senators, but the game result turned out to be secondary when all was said and done.
That’s because Florida captain Sasha Barkov left the game in the final moments with what appeared to be a lower-body injury after going hard into the boards.
Ottawa opened the scoring thanks to a power play goal off the stick of Tim Stutzle following a high sticking call to Niko Mikkola early in the first period.
View the original article to see embedded media.
It would be 2-0 Sens a few minutes later when Shane Pinto sent a laser over the blocker of Sergei Bobrovsky. He came in Florida’s end on an odd-man rush with David Perron and fired a shot from the top of the right circle.
Overall it was a very uncharacteristic period for the Panthers, who allowed 17 shots on goal and four odd-man rushes.
Entering the middle frame, Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice made a move on his forward line, swapping Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues on the top two lines.
As the second period progressed, Florida began to impose their physical game more and more on the Senators.
The momentum off an excellent penalty kill late in the period led to the Panthers first goal of the game.
It was a simple play, with Florida keeping the puck in Ottawa’s end on the shift immediately following the kill and getting it to Gus Forsling at the point.
A screen by Matthew Tkachuk helped Forsling’s wrister find its way past Linus Ullmark to cut the Sens lead in half with 4:12 to go in the frame.
Florida dominated the third period but couldn’t get the puck past Ullmark. ]
As the Panthers pushed for a tying goal with their net empty, Barkov was injured trying to defend as Stutzle scored into the open cage.
Barkov went feet first into the boards and needed help leaving the ice.
His status moving forward will certainly be the focus.
On to Buffalo.
QUICK THOUGHTS
Florida went 0-for-2 on the power play in Ottawa and are now 0-for-8 to start the season.
The Cats went 2-for-3 on the penalty kill and are 5-for-7 on the season.
Ullmark was spectacular, finishing with 30 saves, including all five high-danger shots Florida sent his way.
Tkachuk has assists in both Cats games so far this season.
Bennett has looked great for Florida and is up to three points in two games.
Florida has had 54 shots blocked during their first two games, 21 by the Bruins and 33 by Ottawa.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS – FLORIDA
Panthers kick off season’s inaugural roadie with tilt in Ottawa against scrappy Senators
Carter Verhaeghe latest member of Panthers core to sign long-term, team friendly extension
Three takeaways: Panthers bottom six shines, Cats jump all over Boston from the start
Carter Verhaeghe signs 8-year contract extension with Florida Panthers
Panthers raise Stanley Cup banner before dropping Bruins 6-4 on Opening Night
