Florida wins first game of season by edging Captials in SO

By The Associated Press

Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal, two assists in regulation, then added the shootout winner as the visiting Florida Panthers recovered after giving up a three-goal lead in the second period Friday night and beat the Washington Capitals, 6-5. It was the Panthers’ first victory this season.

In a wacky, back-and-forth game, Florida coughed up a 4-1 advantage and allowed the tying goal with 1:25 left. The Panthers couldn’t score in overtime despite a power play but celebrated a win for the first time this season in their fifth game after Huberdeau beat Pheonix Copley in the fourth round of the shootout. Copley was born in North Pole, Alaska. Vincent Trocheck from Upper St. Clair also had a goal and two assists and scored in the shootout for the Panthers.

Evgenii Dadonov, Colton Sceviour and Jared McCann also scored for the Panthers, who chased Stanley Cup-winning goalie Braden Holtby with four goals on 11 shots.

Golden Knights

Vegas signed forward Alex Tuch to a $33.25 million, seven-year extension with an annual salary cap hit of $4.75 million. General manager George McPhee announced the contract Friday, which ties defenseman Shea Theodore’s seven-year deal for the longest the Golden Knights have given out. Tuch now is signed through the 2025-26 season. The 22-yearold had 37 points on 15 goals and 22 assists last season. He is currently out with a lower-body injury and hasn’t played this season.

Coyotes

Center Christian Dvorak will be out indefinitely after having surgery Friday to repair a torn pectoral muscle. Dvorak was injured last week in a rehabilitation skate for an unrelated injury. Dvorak, 22, has not played this season.