The Florida Panthers finally entered the win column on Friday with their 1-0 shutout of the Buffalo Sabres.
After starting the year 0-2-1, the Panthers began a four-city road trip with this win. The victory is the first of the year including a slate of exhibition games. It also was a second consecutive solid game for Roberto Luongo after a tough start to the year.
Luongo saved all 26 chances he had which followed on a 22 save effort in his previous game. That one followed a contest that the goalie would probably prefer to forget when he allowed five goals and was lifted during the second period. The veteran goalie now has allowed a total of one goal in his last two games after allowing eight in the first two combined.
The shutout was also the 67th of Luongo's career. With this effort, the goalie moved to 13th on the NHL's all-time list for shutouts.
The goal for Florida is put in the net by Sean Bergenheim and it was the first point of the season for him. This is the 30 year old's third season with the Panthers and the goal was the 34th of his career in Florida. Bergenheim had five shots on goal in this one.
The Panthers had plenty of opportunities to score but Buffalo goalie Jhonas Enroth had a fine game himself with 34 saves. Leading the way in terms of shots on goal for Florida was Nick Bjugstad with six. The 22-year old had a pair in the previous game as well after starting the season with none in the first two contests.
Shawn Thornton, Colby Robak and Brandon Pirri were all scratched in this game for Florida.
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Florida will not have much time to enjoy the win as it is back in action again on Saturday. The Panthers will take on the Washington Capitals at 7:00 p.m.
