Panthers snap Lightning win streak to extend Atlantic Division lead
The Florida Panthers extended their Atlantic Division lead to five points with a dominant 5-2 victory over the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.
The Panthers' victory snapped the Lightning's season-high seven-game win streak, and was the third time they defeated their division rivals in four contests this season.
After dropping four consecutive games, Florida is back on track with two wins in a row, playing like the team that won 12 consecutive games from Dec. 12 to Jan. 10.
#FlaPanthers will not only beat reigning Cup finalists in b2b nights, but outscoring Chicago & #tbLightning 9-1 in the process
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) January 24, 2016
Balanced scoring continues to be a key component of the Panthers' success. Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad, Reilly Smith, Vincent Trochek, and Brian Campbell all scored in the victory, giving the team eight players with at least 20 points this season.
Roberto Luongo was dominant once again, following up an impressive 27-save shutout against the Blackhawks by making 38 stops.
The 36-year-old continues to enjoy his best season since 2010-11, improving his record to 21-13-4 with a 2.11 GAA and .930 save percentage.
Luongo's solid performances coincide with the impressive return of defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
#FlaPanthers have now won 14 games in a row when Aaron Ekblad is in the line up.
— Florida Panthers (@fla_panthersnhl) January 24, 2016
Ekblad hasn't lost a game since Dec. 12 against the Boston Bruins, and the Panthers have given up just 17 goals in those 14 games.
The 19-year-old phenom tallied another assist in 22:15 minutes of ice time, giving him 21 points in 44 games this season. He clearly stabilizes the blue line on a nightly basis, emerging as one of the best young defensemen in the league.
Florida will look to extend its win streak to three games against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.