Florida

Panthers Shut Hurricanes Out in 3rd Straight Win

The Panthers kept the Carolina Hurricanes off the board on Saturday in a 2-0 win

The Florida Panthers continued to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.

With a third straight win, Florida moved closer to the eighth position in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers are now six points back of the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins. Those two teams sit tied for the seventh and eighth spots in the East.

Dan Ellis continued to do an admirable job as he fills in for the shorthanded Panthers. The goalie saved all 27 attempts that were sent his way. Ellis is 3-0-1 in his four games as Florida's goaltender and has a .925 save percentage.

Brandon Pirri's power play goal late into the second period was the first score of the game. It was Pirri's 14th goal of the year and it was assisted on by Jimmy Hayes.

That goal by Pirri would remain the only one until there were 40 seconds left in regulation. Dave Bolland's fourth goal of the year iced things for Florida and gave them a 2-0 lead. The score was Bolland's fourth this season while Jussi Jokinen and Derek MacKenzie picked up assists.

Five players were scratched for Florida on Saturday including their top two goalies who remain out of commission. Al Montoya and Roberto Luongo. The latter could return for Florida's next game however.

The Panthers will take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

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