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Panthers 4-game winning streak longest under Gerard Gallant

John Russell / National Hockey League / Getty

Things are starting to click for Gerard Gallant's Florida Panthers.

With a 2-1 win Thursday over the Nashville Predators, the Panthers ran their winning streak to four games, the longest stretch since Peter Horachek guided the club to five straight in 2013.

The win came thanks in large part to Roberto Luongo, who stopped 32 shots while improving to 9-8-1 with a sparkling .926 save percentage. At the other end of the ice, Florida managed only 16 shots on Pekka Rinne - including a glorious opportunity for Jaromir Jagr - but goals from Quinton Howden and Jonathan Huberdeau was all the offense they needed to secure the win.

"We battled but they had the majority of the game," Gallant said after the game. "Huberdeau's been playing well lately and tonight finally finding the back of the net was big for him."

The goal was only the second of the season for the 2013 NHL rookie of the year, who was happy to contribute to the win.

"It felt good, especially with a 2-1 win," Huberdeau said. "In the third period they were all over us and Luongo made some big saves. It's two points we need to have."

What's impressive about the Panthers' streak is the quality of competition faced over the past four games, and their ability to limit goals against.

Opponent Result
NY Islanders W 3-2 SO
Detroit W 2-1 OT
St. Louis W 3-1
Nashville W 2-1

For his part, Luongo's encouraged by the run.

"We've had some good tests and won some gritty road games," he said. "That's the type of hockey you want to play."

The Panthers have posted a record of 6-3-1 in their past 10 games, keeping pace in a tight Atlantic Division (Montreal Canadiens notwithstanding) and in the race for an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

The Panthers will be right back at it Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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