After getting dominated in game one, game two was a back and forth battle between both teams. The Florida Panthers got on the board to take the lead early. But the New York Islanders kept answering back. Florida looked good today; they were fast, physical, and made their shots count.
Panthers Give Up Lead; Drop Game Two To Islanders
Anything You Can Do
Both teams were able to score on the power play, but the Panthers again undisciplined giving up 24 total penalty minutes. Brian Boyle had 12 minutes in the box alone. And Mike Matheson followed with six minutes.
The Panthers struck first in the opening period off the stick of Mike Hoffman. Hoffman’s goal was assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau and Keith Yandle, and the Panthers led 1-0.
The Islanders tied the game in the 2nd on a Matt Martin goal that was assisted by Tom Kuhnhackle and Andy Greene.
Florida answered with another goal to break the tie, this time Aleksander Barkov notched the Cats’ second goal on the power play. Yandle and Hoffman assisted the Barkov goal, giving both players their second point of the game.
I Can Do Better
But, New York again knotted the game up at two goals apiece after Ryan Pulock‘s goal assisted by Devon Toews and Derek Brassard. However, late in the 2nd period, the Islanders scored again, taking a 3-2 lead thanks to Jordan Eberle.
The Panthers started the 3rd period on the power play but couldn’t capitalize with the extra man. New York scored again with a man advantage 10:29 into the 3rd o take a 4-2 lead. Jordan Eberle notched his second of the game.
The Panthers couldn’t hold on in game two although taking the early lead. New York was far more aggressive late in the game, which allowed them to go up 4-2. Florida has one more chance to win a game and keep this series alive. Game three is tomorrow afternoon.
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