The longest road trip of the season for the Florida Panthers came to a frustrating end on Saturday night.
Facing the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals, Florida couldn’t keep up with the high-flying Caps and lost 6-3 at Capital One Arena.
The Panthers fell behind early after Connor McMichael caught Florida’s blueliners in a line change.
McMichael went in all alone on Vitel Vanecek and made a silky smooth move to give the Caps a 1-0 lead at the 3:15 mark.
Just over three minutes later, a fortunate bounce put the puck on the stick of rookie Mackie Samoskevich in the corner and he quickly found Sam Bennett on the doorstep.
All Bennett had to do was redirect the pass into an empty net, knotting the score at one.
The goals continued to come fast and furious after that.
Defensemen John Carlson and Seth Jones traded goals 92 seconds apart, and then a minute later, Anthony Beauvillier gave Washington their third lead of the period at 3-2.
Jonah Gadjovich was quick to tie the game at three just 31 seconds after Beauvillier’s goal, and that’s how the game would go into the first intermission.
The second period was not a great one for the Panthers.
By the time the middle frame was six minutes old, Washington had already scored not one, not two but three more goals, taking a commanding 6-3 lead that would end up being the final score.
On to the Penguins.
QUICK THOUGHTS
Bennett logged his third multi-point game this month. He’s logged 10 points in 10 March games for Florida.
The goal by Jones was his first as a member of the Panthers. He’s logged thee points over his past six games.
Evan Rodrigues’ assist on Jones’ goal was his first point in nine games.
Nico Sturm picked up his first point as a Panther with an assist on Jones’ goal.
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