Hello again Florida Panther, and all hockey fans.  Welcome to Tuesday, March 24th.  Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought we be in this position, but here we are.  I hope that you’re safe, your family is healthy, and your spirits are up.  We’re going to get through this.

I would like to add, that if any of you need to discuss something or have concerns, please feel free to reach out to me as you know what I do in my “regular job”.  I want you to know that I’m her for you, even if it’s another voice to talk to.

The Florida Panthers didn’t play all that often on March 24th during their history, and when they did, they typically lost.  I started from the inaugural season up to this year (2016) and found only one other game, but we had already used that season once, so I moved forward to the next game that they won.

In 2016 the Panthers played the Boston Bruins, in Boston.  A building that they sporadically have had trouble in, but not on this night.  With the exception of a sluggish (surprised?) first period, the Panthers came away with a 4-1 victory as they marched towards their division title.

Boston had a number of scoring chances in the first period, but Roberto Luongo had an exceptional period.  He was stellar the entire game as well, despite two close call, as there were two goals that the Bruins appeared to have scored that had to be reviewed.  For a change, both were denied.

Boston scored the first goal, when Ryan Spooner picked up his second of the year to give the Bruins the lead midway into the second period.  On that goal, and you’ll see it in the replay below, Luongo reacted as he so often did by looking up after the puck went past him.  Out of habit, he’s reacted this way oftern, and I really wish he hadn’t.  I know he’s upset, but it’s not a good look.

The Panthers scored the next 4 goals, as Reilly Smith, Vincent Trocheck, Jussi Jokinen, and Jonathan Huberdeau all chipped in.  Trocheck’s goal was a shortie, and Hubby’s goal was an empty netter.  Trocheck and Jokinen both had two point nights, and Frank Vatrano, then on the Bruins, picked up an assist.

Luongo made 34 saves, and at times was under siege, but still held off the Bruins.  Check out some of the names that were on the Panthers at the time:  Jaromir Jagr, Jiri Hudler, Teddy Purcell, Jakub Kindl, Steven Kampfer, and Brian Campbell.

Here’s the Boston feed’s highlights:

 

Here’s former Panther (I really just typed that!) Vincent Trocheck after the game:

A nice win for the Cats, and they won two nights later in Tampa as well.  They ended up in first place in the Atlantic upon seasons end.

Hope you enjoyed that one.

Stay safe, and be healthy.

Thanks for reading.

You can follow along with Panther Parkway @pantherparkway on Twitter! You can also follow our writers: @FrankRekas, @Josh_LOPanthers, @JacobWinans8, @prudentia0, @Spencer_hoag, @Mister_Joester! Make sure to follow and listen to our podcast @LOPanthersPod All images unless otherwise noted are courtesy of @KimSmithImages