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PANTHERS CLOSE OUT SERIES WITH FLORIDA RIVALS WITH A VICTORY OVER TAMPA The series would end up 3-1 for the Battle of Florida after the Panthers 6-2 win tonight. The Lightning came out flying in the first, but after Belfour's performance in the first 20, it became just too much. Tampa won the shot clock 15-5 but were unable to get one past the 'Eagle'. The second was dramatically different as the Panthers won the shot clock 12-3 and did get some pucks in the net. Czerkawski opened the scoring with his 17th on the PP just over a minute into the 2nd. Messier then would add his 27th, also on the PP, and, before the period ended, Andersson added his 30th. Its the first time he has eclipsed 30 goals since 1991, when he scored 41 for the Canucks. Tampa scored quick in the 3rd while shorthanded and things would seem to be tightening. However, the Panthers would run off 3 straight goals and thoughts of a comeback were over. Messier notched his 28th on the PP, Larmer scored his 11th, and then Richardson scored his 10th. Richardson, hitting double digits in goals, gives the Panthers with 14 players with double digit goals. Tampa would add one late, but it was over at that point. Ed Belfour made 24 saves and moved his record to 27-13-5. Special teams were +2. The PK was perfect on 3 tries, while the PP was 3-7. They did allow one short handed goal, though. 1st Star - Mark Messier - 2 goals, 3 points, +1 2nd Star - Mikael Andersson - 1 goal, 2 points, +2, 4 shots 3rd Star - Mike Needham - 1 goal, 2 points, +1 HOUSTON The Aeros beat Atlanta tonight 1-0. Jamie McLennan got the shutout with the offense coming from Mongrain (30).
Bubba Smith Sr. |