The Florida Panthers will be looking for some revenge on Saturday night when they host the Carolina Hurricanes in the second half of their preseason home and home.
It was apparent from well before the opening puck drop that Friday’s game would be challenging for Florida.
That’s because Carolina deployed a roster that included many of their NHL regulars.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Florida, on the other hand, sent a group up to Raleigh that featured mostly young prospects and AHL hopefuls, with a handful of players competing for potential NHL roster spots.
As one could’ve guessed, the game tilted toward the Hurricanes in a big way.
The Panthers actually got out of the first period down only 1-0, but it didn’t take long in the middle frame for the floodgates to open.
Carolina scored five times during the second period, dominating the overmatched Cats by an 8-2 final score.
Oliver Okuliar and A.J. Greer were the goal scorers for Florida.
Okuliar, a 23-year-old first year North American pro who previously played in the Czech Extraliga, finished off a nice passing sequence while on the power play.
Defenseman Mike Benning assisted on both of Florida’s goals.
The Cats and Canes will back at it Saturday night in Sunrise.
Puck drop from Amerant Bank Arena is set for 6 p.m.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS – FLORIDA
Roster battles taking shape as Panthers head to Raleigh for matchup with Hurricanes
Injury updates on Anton Lundell, Justin Sourdif as Panthers training camp continues
Three takeaways: Trio of Panthers earn praise in 8-7 preseason loss, as does crowd
Late Lightning goal sends Panthers to first loss of preseason
