The Florida Panthers got back in the win column for the first time since before the 4 Nations break.
Playing in Nashville for the only time this season, the Panthers took an early lead and never relinquished it, skating to a 4-1 victory on Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.
An early delay of game penalty on the home team would lead to Florida’s opening goal. the score remain 1-0 until early in the second period.
Justin Sourdif, playing in just his fourth NHL game after being called up from AHL Charlotte on Monday, made a nice move to cut into Nashville’s zone and after a quick give and go with Jesper Boqvist, deflected a pass over Juuse Saros glove for his first NHL goal.
Florida held their 2-0 lead until 4:30 into the third period when Michael McCarron wheeled around on the doorstep and fired two backhand shots at Panthers goalie Spencer Knight.
A sneaky shot by Gus Forsling off the half boards that may have gone off Ryan O’Reilly on its way past Saros restored the Panthers two-goal lead with just under 11 minutes to go.
Mackie Samoskevich scored a pretty goal in the final minutes that came off a great steal and pass by Bennett to seal the victory.
Credit to Bennett, who completed himself a nice Gordie Howe hat trick after fighting Cole Smith earlier in the period.
Overall, it was a solid victory for the Cats from start to finish.