PANTHERS CRUSH THE SHARKS FROM SAN JOSE

This game was almost over before it started, literally, as Hodge scored his 18th just 9 seconds into the game. At that point, the Sharks had to be reeling but they put on a strong fight for almost 30 minutes of the game. They were able to keep the Panthers at bay again until 27 seconds left in the period when Czerkawski scored his 13th on the PP.

Going into the second down 2-0 the Sharks felt some relief, and actually cut the lead in half just 30 seconds into the second. Esa scored his 12th to get the 2 goal lead back, but San Jose kept coming, and would get it to 3-2 at 12.37 of the second. That, however, would be the end of the fun as Florida would run off the next 6 goals. Jones scored his 8th, two minutes later, then Andersson his 14th before the period ended. 

Going into the 3rd the score was 5-2, Vernon was pulled and Rhodes was in. He would get a full games worth of shots though in the 3rd, as the Panthers lit up the Sharks 17-7 in the period for shots. Hodge connected on the PP for his 19th. Esa would add his 2nd of the game, 13th, just 22 seconds later. Hawgood would join in the fun with his 2nd just 83 seconds later. Hawerchuk would finish out the scoring with his 14th with less than 2 minutes to go, to finish out the game, and a 9-2 victory for the Panthers. 

Ed Belfour got the win making 16 saves and moving his record to 15-11-2. 

Special teams was a +2. The PK was perfect on 2 attempts, and the PP went 2-4 on the night. 

1st Star - Esa Tikkanen - 2 goals, 5 points, +3, 3 shots

2nd Star - Teppo Numminen - 4 assists, +3, 3 shots

3rd Star - Ken Hodge - 2 goals, 3 points, +3, 2 shots

HOUSTON

Houston had a close victory against Moncton tonight winning by a score of 3-2. Hirsch took the win over ex-Aero Kevin Weeks. The offense came from Savage (8), Gilbert (12), and Atcheynum (10). 

Bubba Smith Sr.
Panthers Press