Gauthier fought back, scoring a hat trick on the power play at 15:36 to tie the score at 3-3.
The Ducks regained the lead before the end of the period, making it 4-3 on Nikita Nesterenko’s loose puck at 17:19.
The Panthers had a chance to tie the score early in the third period, but the Panthers were unable to capitalize on a game misconduct in which Leo Karlsson hit Rodriguez in the head during the five-minute major.
The Ducks quickly put the game out of reach, with goals from Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and Janson Harkins in just over three minutes from 11:43 to 14:47.
“The third period wasn’t our best,” Luostarinen said. “We just have to get through it, recover and move on to the next game.”
they said it
“Everyone has factors that they deal with at the beginning of each year.” – Paul Maurice
“They just took advantage of it. They played well and took their chances and scored.” – Eetu Luostarinen
cat statistics
– According to NaturalStatTrick.com, the Panthers had an 8-2 advantage in high-danger opportunities in the first period.
– Seth Jones led the Panthers with 22:19 time on ice.
– Anton Lundell and Donovan Sebrango each had three blocked shots.
– AJ Grier and Ietu Luostarinen had 4 hits.
– Cole Schwindt wins 54.5% of his face-offs
What’s next?
The California tour continues.
On Thursday, the Panthers will take on the Los Angeles Kings at 10pm ET at Crypto.com Arena.
Click here for Cats on Tap.
