The Florida Panthers blew a three-goal lead but battled the Washington Capitals 6-5 to register their first win of the season in a shootout on Friday.
After dominating the first period and leading 4-1, the Florida Panthers looked comfortable to win their first game of the season. After the halftime break, the Panthers relaxed and conceded back-to-back goals to end regulation time in a draw.
Goalkeeper Michael Hutchinson played a big role in Friday’s win as he stopped 10 of 11 shots in regulation and overtime. He also saved two more shots in the shootout to help seal a victory propelled by goals from Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trochek and Captain Aleksander Barkov.
“It’s a sign of relief, for sure, Huberdeau said. “Being so close every game to get a win, now we finally got it, the first one.”
High Scorers, Concedes Regularly
The Panthers haven’t been short on scoring this season. They have averaged 3 goals scored, but they have also conceded more than three each game. The defending Stanley Cup Champions have struggled to win in the past four games, often coming close to a win but blowing it in the last minute.
On Friday, the Florida-based team had the chance to win the game in regulation. But with 85 seconds remaining to the end second period, Washington equalized to take the game into extra time and the shootout.
