The Florida Panthers got back on the winning track as their road trip continued north of the border on Thursday night.
After blowing a late two-goal lead on Tuesday in Boston, Florida held tight to a third period lead in Toronto, defeating the Maple Leafs 3-2 at Scotiabank Arena.
Exactly two minutes into the game, John Tavares one-timed a long cross-ice pass from William Nylander past a sliding Sergei Bobrovsky to give the Maple Leafs an early 1-0 lead.
Then with nearly two minutes to go in the opening period, Sam Bennett slammed home a Mackie Samoskevich rebound while Florida was on the power play to tie the game at one.
Florida took their first lead of the game about six minutes into the second period.
A.J. Greer dug the puck free in the corner and found a wide-open Niko Mikkola in the high slot. Mikkola wired a wrist shot past the blocker of Anthony Stolarz to put the Cats ahead 2-1.
Bennett’s second goal of the game was not that dissimilar from his first, putting the puck home from the doorstep to extend the Cats lead heading into the third.
Less than five minutes into the final frame, Max Domi caught Florida trying to change their defensive pairing and beat Sergei Bobrovsky glove side to bring Toronto back within one of the Cats.
That would be as close as the Leafs would get, thanks to some big stops by Bobrovsky down the stretch.
On to Montreal.
QUICK THOUGHTS
Bennett extended his point streak to four games, with three goals and five points during the run.
He’s also averaging more than a point per game dating back to late January.
Samoskevish has now accumulated six points over his past six games and eight points in 10 games since the start of February.
Sam Reinhart picked up a pair of assists, giving him six points over his past four games.
After going six straight games without a point, Greer now has four points over his past seven outings.
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