Florida

Panthers Gain Point in Third Straight Loss

The Panthers fell for the third time in a row on Saturday but came away with a point

The Florida Panthers continued to limp into the All-Star break with a 3-2 shootout loss on Saturday to the Edmonton Oilers.

While the Panthers lost for a third straight time, they did gain a point this time around. The point gives Florida an even 50 on the year and it remains in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The Boston Bruins who sit directly ahead of Florida lost as well but their defeat came in regulation. The Panthers are only four points back of the eighth and final playoff spot.

With his team trailing by one early into the second period, Erik Gudbranson scored his second goal of the season. Jussi Jokinen and Nick Bjugstad assisted on the game-tying goal.

Later in the second period, it was Jonathan Huberdeau who put the Panthers ahead when he netted his eighth goal of the year. Aleksander Barkov and Dmitry Kulikov were credited with assists.

After Edmonton tied the game in the third period, the shootout did not last long. The first attempt by the Oilers sailed past Roberto Luongo and it was all that they would need. Florida did not score on its three attempts in the shootout.

Luongo ended up with 32 saves on the 34 attempts fired at him. The goalie who is headed to the All-Star Game next week has had a rough time as of late. Luongo has allowed nine combined goals in his last three contests.

Vincent Trocheck and Brandon Pirri were both healthy scratches for Florida.

The Panthers will complete the first part of the schedule on Monday when they take on the Vancouver Canucks.

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