PANTHERS EARN WIN LATE

The Florida Panthers welcomed the Buffalo Sabres and got pushed right until the end. 

Czerkwaski started the scoring with his 16th at the 8 minute mark, but Buffalo quickly responded less than a minute later. Thirty seconds after that, the Sabres took the lead, then pushed it to 2 goal lead at the 15 minute mark. The Polish Prince scored his 2nd, 17th of the season, before the period ended, though and got the Panthers within a goal. The second period would see both goalies turn away all the shots they faced and going into the 3rd, Buffalo still led 3-2. 

Messier would score his 29th to get the game tied on the PP, then just under 2 minutes later, Bassen scored his 13th, and the Panthers were back in the lead. Buffalo would not go away though, as they would tie it at 14:25. Going into the last minute of the game, Buffalo would make a critical mistake taking a penalty at 19:39. Just 3 seconds later, after a won face off by Messier, Jones would tip Redmond's blast from the point for his 9th on the PP, and claim victory for the Panthers

Ed Belfour got the win moving his record to 21-14-2 making 28 saves on 32 shots. 

The special teams was the difference as Florida was +1. The PK allowed a goal on 2 chances, while the PP went 2-7 on the night. 

1st Star - Mariusz Czerkawski - 2 goals, +2, 3 shots

2nd Star - David Mackey - 1 goal, 2 points, +1, 3shots, 4 hits

3rd Star - Pavel Bure - 1 goal, 6 shots

HOUSTON

The Aeros hosted Rochester who are one of the top teams in the NMFHL. They kept it close but lost 4-2 in the end. Goverde took the loss, while Schliebener (6) and Oliver (17) provided the offense. 

Bubba Smith Sr.
Panthers Press