Panthers edge Ducks, 2-1

In Sunrise Friday night, the Florida Panthers edged out the Anaheim Ducks, 2-1.

Jonathan Huberdeau scored in the middle frame to give the Panthers the final margin of victory.

“You all know when you miss like four months of playing, your first goal, it’s always special, and that’s what it was tonight,” Huberdeau said. “I kind of fanned on it, too, and it went in. It felt pretty good, and I think it’s just focusing to get better and come back stronger.”

Huberdeau missed more than 50 games with an injury and has been working back to his former self.

“Huberdeau is a real strong kid this year physically and it showed tonight,” Florida head coach Tom Rowe said. “For him to be out the entire year and to have the stamina that he has is a credit to him for staying with the program and taking care of himself during the injury.”

Reilly Smith also scored for the Panthers who have now won three straight.

WATCH: All Ducks vs. Panthers highlights

Hampus Lindholm scored for for Anaheim who dropped to 28-16-9.

John Gibson made 35 saves in the loss.

“He’s been real solid, you can’t deny that. In a game like tonight we wasted a strong performance from our goaltender,” Anaheim head coach Randy Carlyle said of Gibson’s efforts.

James Reimer faced only 23 shots in getting his 100th NHL win.

“[Reimer] is unbelievable. He’s a character, character guy. He’s had a very emotional week with the baby and going through that adjustment in his life. And for him to be able to come in and play the way he did tonight, and especially those two huge saves in the third period were unbelievable,” Rowe said talking about Reimer’s play.

 

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