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FLORIDA EXPLODES IN THE THIRD TO GRAB VICTORY OVER THE RANGERS Florida went into the city of Lady Liberty for a game, and for 40 minutes the Rangers were not a very welcoming guest. They jumped out to a lead early in the first, before Bradley scored his 11th to get the game tied again. However the second period was more the same with New York jumping out to the lead and heading to the 3rd period up 2-1 over the Panthers. In fact NY led the shot clock even 13-12, keeping the high scoring Panthers at bay. The third period would be all Florida though, firing 15 shots at the young Thomas, and it seemed to be too much for him. Andersson scored his 16th on the PP at the 6 minute mark to get things tied. Bassen connected on his 9th just over 12 minutes into the frame to give Florida its first lead of the day. Messier then scored his 24th on the PP to give the squad a cushion, and what would be his 5th game winning goal of the season. New York would respond, getting it to 4-3, but just 22 seconds later, Murray scored his 11th to dash any hopes the Rangers had of coming back. In the end, the talented Panthers were just too much. Ed Belfour got the win moving his record to 17-12-2. Special teams was +2 on the night. The PK was perfect on 2 attempts against, while the PP went 2-7. 1st Star - Mikael Andersson - 1 goal, 2 points, 4 shots, 2 hits 2nd Star - Troy Murray - 1 goal, +1, 5 shots, 3 hits 3rd Star - Craig Redmond - 3 assists, +2, 2 hits HOUSTON The Aeros were in a battle tonight, but ended up on the losing end of a 7-6 score. John Grahame took the loss, while Atcheynum (13) and Flatley (9) both scored a pair of goals. Guzev (3) and Malon e(8) were the other Houston scorers on the night. One more night until the Christmas Holidays as Florida will face Quebec, and Houston will face Cornwall.
Bubba Smith Sr. |