The Florida Panthers ended the preseason on a high note with a 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
The game took place at West Point in New York and gave both teams a special way to end the exhibition schedule. There was a buzz in the crowd at Tate Rink which is the home of Army Hockey.
The win improved Florida's record in the preseason to 2-2-2. The Panthers had a seventh game against the Tampa Bay Lightning canceled due to Hurricane Matthew. Without an available day to reschedule the game, the Panthers had one less game to prepare for the season.
Jonathan Marchessault scored Florida's first goal of the game during the first period on a power play. Keith Yandle and Jonathan Huberdeau assisted on Marchessault's score.
The second period featured three goals for the Panthers as they broke the game open. Scoring goals for Florida in that middle period were Colton Sceviour, Aaron Ekblad and Vincent Trocheck. Ekblad's goal came with an assist from Marchessault who remained busy in the win.
Roberto Luongo was in the net for Florida and looked ready for the season opening game. Florida's starting goalie stopped 25 of the 27 attempts that were sent his way.
The regular season will begin on Thursday with a game against these same Devils at BB&T Center.
