The Florida Panthers rebounded from their recent struggles with a 2-1 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday.
Pittsburgh tied the game with just under four minutes remaining to send the game to overtime. After the teams went scoreless in the five extra minutes, a shootout was needed to decide the winner. Florida which has dominated shootouts all season continued that trend with another win. The Panthers are now 6-1 in shootouts this season.
Florida had struggled recently to the tune of four losses in five games. The slump opened eyes following a long stretch of success by the Panthers. Despite those losses, Florida has maintained its lead atop the Atlantic Division. This win gives the Panthers 72 points on the year, which has the team five points up on second-place Detroit.
With some poor games lately, Roberto Luongo was given the night off for this one. The goalie will be able to rest his body for a few days, and is expected back in the net for Florida's next game. The Panthers turned to backup Al Montoya, and he answered the call with a fantastic effort.
Montoya stopped 31 of the 32 attempts sent his way and made multiple clutch saves along the way. Montoya has done a solid job all season long when he has been asked to fill in for Luongo. Having a strong 1-2 punch at the goalie slot has been a big reason for Florida's success this season.
The first goal of the game came at the 7:30 mark of the first period when Nick Bjugstad found the back of the net. The goal which was Bjugstad's tenth of the season had assists on it from Alex Petrovic and Brian Campbell. Bjugstad would also score during the shootout, with Jussi Jokinen adding the other goal.
The Panthers will seek a second straight win on Thursday when they host the San Jose Sharks.
