Florida

Panthers Fall to Penguins in Emotionally Charged Game

The Panthers and Penguins played a physical game on Saturday with Florida losing 3-1

The Florida Panthers had a season-high 12 penalties in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins also hit a season-high with their 15 penalties in an extremely physical game. Two players on each side were sent to the penalty box for fighting. One Penguin was tagged with a game misconduct. There were several penalties for roughing, interference, embellishment, and high-sticking.

Things got heated early with a fight breaking out in the first period. It wasn't until the third period when the game calmed down a bit. Though there were slashing penalties on both sides even in that final period. Willie Mitchell and Erik Gudbranson were the two Florida players hit with 5-minute majors for fighting.

Beyond the fighting, the Panthers put plenty of shots on goal but only found the back of the net once. The Penguins took an early lead at the 1:48 mark and Florida trailed for the rest of the game. The loss snapped Florida's two-game winning streak and it is now 14-9-8 on the year.

Vincent Trocheck scored the lone goal for Florida with his score in the first period. It was the the third goal of the year for Trocheck and it came during a power play. Assists on the goal were picked up by Jonathan Huberdeau and Aaron Ekblad.

Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury stopped the other 45 shots on goal for Florida. The opportunities were there but Fleury was stellar. His counterpart, Roberto Luongo stopped 31 of the 34 pucks sent his way.

Jimmy Hayes and Brandon Pirri were healthy scratches for Florida.

The Panthers and Penguins will not have much time to calm their emotions. The teams will take one another on again on Monday in Sunrise.

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