The Florida Panthers continued to struggle with a 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.
Florida has now lost eight of the last ten games it has played, and has fallen to 31-30-11 on the season. While the Panthers are still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, the chances are slim for the team at this point. Florida has stumbled without goalie Roberto Luongo, and has only won three times since late February.
When Aleksander Barkov scored early in the first period, things looked good for Florida. Barkov's 20th goal of the season came at the 1:35 mark of the game, and it gave the Panthers an early 1-0 lead. Assisting on the goal were Jason Demers and Jaromir Jagr.
After Carolina tied up the game, Reilly Smith gave Florida the lead once again. Vincent Trocheck and Jussi Jokinen assisted Smith with his 12th goal of the season.
At 1:14 in the second period, Keith Yandle put the Panthers back on top once again with his fifth score of the season. Demers and Jagr teamed up to help on this goal as well.
Reto Berra made his first start for Florida, since joining the team as Luongo's replacement. Berra had a tough time, and may have showed some signs of rust and inexperience in the loss. The goalie ended up with 21 saves in his 25 chances in the evening. It is likely that James Reimer will return to the net in Florida's next game.
The Panthers will host the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
