The Florida Panthers opened the preseason with a doubleheader split against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.
In the first game, Florida won 4-1 with three goals in the final period of play. Four of the five combined goals in the contest came during that third period. The late scoring showed sustained energy and tenacity from Florida's roster.
The first for Florida came courtesy of Dryden Hunt with assists from both Jonathan Racine and Jonathan Ang. That goal came at the 13:07 mark, and would be the only score of the game for more than a half-hour of game time.
Only 11 seconds into the third period, Florida made it a 2-0 game with a goal from Greg McKegg. Assisting on the second score of the game were MacKenzie Weegar and Riley Stillman.
At the 3:47 mark, Ang added a goal of his own with an assist from Michael Downing. The fourth and final goal of the game for Florida was put home by Jonathan Marchessault and it was assisted on by Shane Harper and Denis Malgin.
Guarding the net for Florida in the first game of the twin-bill were Sam Brittain and James Reimer. The two goaltenders combined to save 36 of the 37 attempts sent their way.
In the nightcap, Roberto Luongo saw his first action of the preseason. Florida's starting goalie stopped nine of 11 attempts. Luongo was on the ice for roughly 26 minutes and looked healthy and ready for game action. The veteran goalie had suffered a hip injury and was originally expected to miss the start of the season.
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Trailing by two goals in the second period, Paul Thompson scored for Florida to cut the deficit in half. Thompson's goal came with an assist from Chase Balisy.
Florida will play its next preseason game on Thursday in Tampa Bay against the Lightning.
