The Florida Panthers erased a two-goal deficit to beat the New York Rangers 4-3 in a shootout on Friday.
Florida's playoff hopes have diminished due to a recent slump, but the team remains alive. For the Panthers to reach the postseason, they will need to go on a sustained run and quickly. After this win, Florida has 73 points and an overall record of 31-28-11.
With the Panthers down two, Jonathan Huberdeau put his team on the board at the 1:25 mark of the second period. Jaromir Jagr and Alex Petrovic assisted Huberdeau with his sixth goal of the season.
Jussi Jokinen the game later in the second period, with his 11th goal of the season. Jason Demers and Thomas Vanek had assists on the power play goal.
The game would stay tied until the 7:23 mark of the third period, when Aleksander Barkov gave Florida the lead. Barkov's 19th goal of the season had help on it from Huberdeau and Jagr.
New York tied the game back up and forced overtime. With both teams going scoreless in the extra five minutes, a shootout was required. In the shootout, Barkov found the back of the net once again. Meanwhile James Reimer stopped every attempt sent his way in the shootout to secure the win.
Reimer ended up with 29 saves in 32 opportunities during the game.
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Florida's road trip will conclude on Sunday with a visit to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins.
