Florida improved its preseason record to 3-1-0
It was a fun Friday night at the big hockey barn in Sunrise.
The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes played a tight game for much of the night, with only one goal being scored during the first two periods, but that wouldn’t last.
Florida scored three times during the final frame, including an impressive game-winning goal from Gerry Mayhew, to defeat the Hurricanes 4-2.
The story for much of the game was the goaltenders.
Anthony Stolarz played well for Florida, making several saves from in tight. He showed off his stick handling skills as well.
On the other end of the ice, Carolina goalie Pyotr Kochetkov came up with multiple show-stopping saves. He kept the Hurricanes in the game during the first two periods before things opened up during the third.
Here are some thoughts and observations from Friday’s game:
Mackie Samoskevich got loose in the slot and made a nice move around Kochetkov for his third goal of the preseason. He continues to show high-end skill with the puck, whether it be in tight sports or along the boards.
Steven Lorentz was good in the defensive zone and he was active below the circles in both zones. Made nice plays below the goal line on both ends of the ice.
Santtu Kinnunen made a few nice plays in front of the net, using his 6-foot-3 frame to move players away from Stolarz.
Brett Ritchie is still standing out for the right reasons. He has been very consistent throughout camp and the preseason.
Uvis Balinskis had a couple rough moments handling the puck at the offensive zone blue line, one of which led to a shorthanded breakaway for Carolina forward Brendan Perlini that was stopped by Stolarz.
Justin Sourdif has displayed some speed and puck skills, and Friday he also showed that he can handle himself, and the puck, along the boards as well.