The Florida Panthers fell to the Edmonton Oilers by a final score of 4-2 on Monday which extended their losing streak to four games.
The Panthers trailed 3-0 when the third period started and that's when they made it a game. A pair of goals gave Florida a chance with over half the period remaining. That would be where the scoring would stop however in what ended up a frustrating loss.
Florida had won a franchise record 12 straight games before this four-game skid. That lengthy streak followed on a solid run by the team. The consistent play propelled the Panthers into first place in the Atlantic Division. While Florida still holds that top spot, its lead is shrinking. Florida currently holds a three-point advantage over second place Detroit in the division.
After only 2:45 of play in the third period, Reilly Smith put home his 13th goal of the year. The goal was unassisted and it cut the deficit to only two with plenty of time to go. The goal was actually Smith's only shot on goal for the game, as he made the most of his opportunities.
Just under three minutes later, Quinton Howden made it a one-score game with his fourth goal of the season. That goal came with assists by Shawn Thornton and Brian Campbell.
With this being the second game of a back-to-back, the Panthers turned to Al Montoya for the start at goalie. Montoya didn't see much action and ended up stopping 19 of the 23 shots sent his way.
Florida will try once more to end its skid on Friday when it hosts the Chicago Blackhawks at 7:30 p.m.
