The Florida Panthers ended their season on a positive note with a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
The 2014-15 season was a solid one for Florida and a big improvement over last year. Still, Florida missed the playoffs which ultimately leads to disappointment. The Panthers battled all year long and finished with a solid 38-29-15 record. In some years, their 91 points would be enough to keep playing.
Dave Bolland got the scoring started for Florida with his sixth goal of the season. The goal tied the game at one in the second period. Assists on the game-tying goal went to Brad Boyes and Jussi Jokinen.
At the 7:59 mark of the third period, the Panthers took the lead on a goal that was courtesy of Jonathan Huberdeau. Assists on the go-ahead score were credited to Jaromir Jagr and Aleksander Barkov. The goal was Huberdeau's 15th of the season.
It was almost fitting that Florida's last goal and the game-winning score was put home by Jagr. On a power play later in the third period, Jagr scored his 17th goal of the season which was assisted on by Dmitry Kulikov and Aaron Ekblad. The Panthers and Jagr have mutual interest in continuing their affiliation next season.
Al Montoya was in net for Florida and stopped 31 of the 33 shots sent his way. Montoya finishes his season with a 5-7-2 record and an .888 save percentage.
Florida now begins its off-season with its eyes set on a return to the playoffs in the 2015-16 campaign.
