Panthers Force Overtime But Fall Again

Friday's loss was the fourth in the last five games for the Florida Panthers as the New York Islanders came away 4-3 winners.

A goal with less than three minutes left in regulation by Florida forced overtime but the Islanders won in a quick shootout. On their first try, New York put a goal in the net during the shootout and Florida was unable to match it. Vincent Trocheck and Jussi Jokinen were credited with assists on the goal.

Jimmy Hayes scored during the first period to give the Panthers an early 1-0 lead and that was the third goal of the year for Hayes. After that though, things became bleak for the Panthers as the Islanders scored the next three goals.

The Panthers would finally add to their total in the third period when Brian Campbell connected on a power play goal. It was the first goal of the year for Campbell and it cut the deficit to one with about ten minutes to play. The assists on this one went to Jokinen and Aleksander Barkov.

The aforementioned tying goal was put in by Aaron Ekblad. It was the second goal of the year for the first overall draft pick and it was assisted on by Trocheck and Hayes.

Roberto Luongo saved 31 of 34 chances during regulation and the overtime period. Luongo also surrendered the winning goal in the shootout. The veteran goalie has a .928 save percentage this year and has had several outstanding games.

Sean Bergenheim missed another game with a lower body injury while Dmitry Kulikov was scratched with a knee injury.