Florida Panthers vs. San Jose Sharks
Monday night Florida Panthers overpowered San Jose Sharks with the 6–2 win at BB&T Center. The cats dominated in the third period. The impact of the game occurred when Keith Yandal and Vincent Trocheck gave a 4–2 lead on a power-play after San Jose forward Evander Kane was assessed a double minor for high-sticking Nick Bjugstad. Trocheck talks about the power-play on nhl.com.
“We had some confidence, obviously, to go in there and try to get the momentum,” “Big power play for us. Yandle and I get two big goals to go up two, give us a little bit of insurance and give us that momentum.”
Roberto Luongo was on his game the goaltender made 27 saves. Frank Vatrano made it 5–2 in the third period which is a career high for him. His success on the ice increased when he was placed on the top line. Vatrano speaks about his success on nhl.com:
“Sometimes that’s how hockey goes. You feel good and confident going into game after game. That’s how I’m feeling right now.”
Bjudstad scored the game winning goal and made it 6–2 during the power-play 38 seconds before the game ended.
The game was on the Panthers side from the start. Aaron Ekblad put the cats on the board 1–0 in the first period with a wrist shot. Logan Couture gave Sharks their first goal of the game at 1–1 in the second period. Mike Matheson scored the second goal giving the cats the lead 2–1. Sharks came back into the game when Timo Meier made it 2–2.
This game showed the impact power-plays can have in a hockey. They may not seem like much but depends how they are developed. Sharks captain Joe Pavelski talks about how the team played and the Panther’s power-play on nhl.com:
“It was a game where it didn’t feel like we were giving up a lot and weren’t creating a lot. It was a pretty tight game early on. They come out and they get two quick power-play goals. Sometimes it can happen quick as that, and that was the difference it was their power-play.”
This was the 3rd straight game that panthers have won fans share their thoughts on Facebook:
“Let’s goooooooo catssssss! Way to go!!!” said Chrystie Jones Thompson
“Was scared in the third. But still love my team. ❤️❤️ go cats go!!!!” said Stacy Wright
“Hopefully consistency on defense, goaltending, making the tough gritty plays and playing a full 60 minutes as if every one of the 35 games remaining is a playoff game will continue…thanks loads to Vinnie Trocheck’s desire, energy, talent and leadership.” said Ron Valentine
“Keep it up winning does wonders for us all.” Bobby Dunat
A team may never be perfect, but if it always has confidence and its fans are standing behind it anything is possible. Friday February 1st Florida Panthers go head to head with Nashville Predators. Below are the highlights of Monday nights game.
