The Florida Panthers scored four goals in the third period on Sunday to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 at BB&T Center.
The game actually started quietly with neither team scoring in the initial period. In the second period, six goals were scored with Toronto picking up four of them. In the final period, Florida trailed by two before its barrage of goals.
With the win, Florida is now 16-9-8 on the season. It was the fourth win in the last five tries for the Panthers who are also 6-2-2 in their last ten contests.
Jonathan Huberdeau's fourth goal of the season got the scoring started for Florida in the first period. Brian Campbell and Nick Bjugstad assisted on the goal that tied the game at one at the time.
Not too long after that goal, Jimmy Hayes put home his tenth of the season to give Florida an early 2-1 lead. Sean Bergenheim assisted on the score by Hayes.
The wild third period began well for Florida with Dmitry Kulikov putting his first goal of the year into the net at the 2:45 mark. Jussi Jokinen was credited with an assist on the goal that cut Toronto's lead to one.
At the 10:09 mark, Willie Mitchell scored his second goal of the year. An assist was credited to Jonathan Huberdeau. The goal tied up the game and likely started up thoughts of yet another overtime game for Florida.
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Brad Boyes however was not interested in playing beyond regulation. His sixth goal of the year came on a power play and put the Panthers ahead for good. Kulikov and Jokinen picked up assists on the go-ahead score.
Scottie Upshall padded the lead with a goal of his own less than two minutes later. It was Upshall's fifth goal of the season and assists were credited to Tomas Kopecky and Derek MacKenzie.
The Panthers will stay home and take on the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
