SUNRISE (Fla.) — The Florida Panthersthey are the NHL’s Atlantic Division champions. They seem like a team ready to win more.
Aleksander BarkovHe scored his 38th goal for the season, and the Panthers tied a record in franchise history with their 12th consecutive win, beating the Detroit Red WingsThursday night: 5-2
This, along with Tampa Bay’s 8-1 victory over Toronto on Thursday, secured the Atlantic title and home-ice advantage for the Panthers throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. It is the third consecutive time Florida has won a Division title in its 28 season history.
“It means so much. “We put a lot into the season, so locking up the division was a big accomplishment,” Florida’s MacKenzie Weegar said. “But there is clearly the bigger picture and we’ll enjoy it, locking up the Division and getting the home-ice edge for the playoffs. Other than that, we want to grow our game and have some fun doing it.
Mason MarchmentA goal and an assist were scored. Sam Reinhart, Noel AcciariWeegar scored also for the Eastern Conference-leading Panthers who finished two points ahead West-leading Colorado. Florida (118) and Colorado (five games) remain.
Acciari stated that “we’re taking care business.”
The Panthers extended their 12-game winning streak from Dec. 15, 2015. to Jan. 10, 2016. Florida has outscored their opponents 61 to 31 in this span and 27-9 in the six preceding games.
Weegar said, “We sort of just go game by game and I’m happy that we’re racking in the wins here.” “We’re a great group and it’s clearly shown throughout the year.”
Jonathan HuberdeauTwo assists, and a tie. Connor McDavidEdmonton was inactive for the league lead of points at 113.
Sergei Bobrovsky28 shots were stopped by the Panthers
Tyler Bertuzzi Sam GagnerScored for Detroit, Alex Nedeljkovic22 shots were stopped
Jeff Blashill, Detroit coach, said that the Panthers have too many points. “Overall, I think we were in a position to win the hockey match. We just need to find a way. Make a few more mistakes, and you’ll be able to take advantage of your chances.
The Red Wings tied the game at 2-2 when Bertuzzi’s shot from right circle passed Bobrovsky with 13 minutes left in the second. But the Panthers took a 4-2 lead after Weegar inserted the puck from the slot a little over ten minutes later.
Reinhart scored a power play goal in the third period to extend the Panthers’ lead up to 5-2.
Andrew Brunette, Florida interim coach, stated that “I think we got a bit physical in the second” and that they gained some momentum. “Our focus has been on doing the right thing and that will begin again on Saturday. That’s been a tribute for the guys. “I think that we have been able accomplish this all season.”
In the first period, the Panthers scored three goals with seven shots.
Gagner’s wrist shot was under Bobrovsky’s glove at 4:18 to give the Red Wings an early lead of 1-0. Acciari tied it at 1-all with a shot from the low spot at 9:19.
Barkov scored a power-play goal on a blast from high slot at 1:07 to give the Panthers a lead of 2-1. With 21 seconds remaining, Marchment’s shot was deflected by a defender and into goal to make it 3-1.
Gagner stated that “they seem to be able to create offense from nothing.” They make you feel like you are playing well. They eventually found a way through.”