Reimer makes 41 stops; special teams are clicking
WASHINGTON When days pass in the NHL season, the calendar can blend together, merging weekends with weekdays and rendering cities nameless. The schedule creates a sense of rhythm, an inkling of routine when day-to-day life can feel the same.
But there was no mistaking the Florida Panthers’ 4-1 win in Washington on Saturday night for any of their previous three efforts, all losses.
The Panthers penalty kill was solid, unlike Friday night’s loss to Pittsburgh when it allowed three power-play goals. The Florida power play was stellar, scoring twice for the first time this season. Even goaltender James Reimer’s first game since Roberto Luongo’s injury went swimmingly, notching 41 saves.
The win over the Capitals (4-4-1, 9 points) snapped a three-game losing streak for the Panthers (3-4-0, 6 points) in which they were outscored 13-7, including two losses to the Penguins and a four-goal drubbing by the Philadelphia Flyers.
It was also Florida’s first win of the season on the road and the first career road win for new Panthers coach Bob Boughner.
Entering Saturday night, the Panthers were in danger of joining a dubious club early in the season. Only four NHL teams had more than four losses. All four played fewer games than the Panthers.
The Panthers also stared down a potential four-game losing streak, a skid they experienced five times during their disappointing season last year. They would avoid one on Saturday night, aided by the Capitals’ parade to the penalty box.
Washington was whistled for six penalties in the first two periods, leading to two Panthers goals. Evgenii Dadonov scored in the closing seconds of the first period to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead. Vincent Trocheck fed Jonathan Huberdeau beside the net, who then found Dadonov in the slot. Dadonov fired a shot past the left arm of Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
It was Dadonov’s second goal of the season and the second consecutive game where the Panthers scored the opening two goals.
Connor Brickley opened Florida’s scoring1:26 into the game on a shot just in front of the crease, assisted by Jared McCann. McCann beat the Capitals defensemen to a puck behind the goal, then waited for Brickley to occupy the crease before sliding him the pass. Both of Brickley’s goals have come from within feet of the net’s mouth.
Trocheck later added a score when he buried a shot from the left dot on the power play. A pass from Alexsander Barkov was deflected and rolled to Trocheck, who banged it in for his third goal of the season.
Washington cut into the lead on Christian Djoos’ goal with 4:37 left in the second period. Djoos dragged the puck into the slot before beating Reimer.
The Capitals were the latest early test for the Panthers in the season’s first two weeks. They boasted Alex Ovechkin and his 10 goals. They had Evgeny Kuznetsov and his 12 assists. They won the Presidents’ Trophy last season.
Florida’s early-season slate has been a tough one. It’s played five different teams. Two were leading divisions entering Saturday’s games. One was the backto-back defending Stanley Cup champion.
But Panthers forward Jamie McGinn viewed the tests as a good thing. The Panthers lost four of their first six games because good teams take advantage of mistakes. They’re highlighted and pinpointed, allowing the Panthers to work out the kinks.
“Sometimes when you’re not playing strong teams,” McGinn said before the game, “that’s not noticed.”