The Florida Panthers used a unique goal to help them beat the Arizona Coyotes 3-1 on Thursday.
The strange goal came in the second period, and was courtesy of Shawn Thornton. With the net falling over, Thronton shot the puck over the line for the goal. The puck never touched the net and sailed right over the line as the net continued a descent into the ice. The officials had a brief discussion after the goal, but it was up-held and ruled a clean score.
The odd goal was Thornton's second of the season, and it had an assist on it from Colton Sceviour. The score also tied the game, after Arizona had jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first period of play.
Jonathan Marchessault was busy late in the second period, with a pair of goals in the final few minutes. Marchessault's 24th goal of the season had assists on it from Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. Marchessault added his 25th score of the year 26 seconds later, with help from Thomas Vanek.
James Reimer returned to the net, after taking last game off. Reimer seemed well-rested and played extremely well. The goalie ended up with 22 saves in 23 chances. With Roberto Luongo sidelined, Reimer will likely continue to see nearly every start for Florida.
While the Panthers remain mathematically alive in the playoff standings, their chances are very slim. With only nine games left in the season, Florida would need plenty of help to reach the postseason.
After a day off, the Panthers will resume their schedule against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
