From Unsung Hero to just a regular hero, Luostarinen is the fourth player in franchise history, scoring at least four points in the playoff game, joining Sam Reinhart (4), Ray Sheppard (4), and Verhaeghe (5).
Standing alone, he is the first Panther to score four points in the road playoff game.
“I think we just tried to simplify it so that we get it,” Luostarinen said. “Tonight, it was our way. It feels good to contribute to the offensive end as well. It’s a team victory and a good series.”
With 4:24 remaining, Reinhart increased Florida’s lead to 6-3 with an empty net goal.
In its quest to maintain Stanley Lord in South Florida, the Panthers passed their first test with flying colours.
Now they face either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Ottawa Senator in Round 2.
The Maple Leafs, who took a 3-2 lead in that series, will visit the Senators Thursday.
“That means a lot,” Barkov said of moving forward into round two. “Obviously, we do some things right. Most people have been through this for a long time. We know it’s necessary. We keep doing it every year. I think it’s more difficult (the first round of the playoffs) and it was even more difficult this year.
They said that
“The guys did a great job. Even when we scored early, we weren’t sitting. As the game continued, we kept pushing and getting better. – Brad Merchand
“Great feeling. I’m happy how they played in the third season and the entire game. They’ve come back a few times, but we stayed and remained calm. – Gustav Farsling
“Every year, it’s getting more and more intense. They won the Cup and competed in the finals. They know that it’s necessary. And now we did the same thing. We know. – Alexander Barkov
Cat statistics
-Aleksander Barkov is the fourth player in franchise history to score 20 career playoff goals.
-Carter Verhaeghe scored eight goals in a potential series close game.
– The Panthers won nine of their last 11 playoff rounds.
-Gustav Farsling blocked a team high 5 shot.
-Dmitry Kulikov scored a team high 7 hits.
-Sam Reinhart registered a team high 7 shot in the goal.
-Sergei Bobrovsky made five high danger saves per NaturnStattrick.com.
What’s next?
Now we play the game waiting for.
Stay tuned at Floridapanthers.com as the Panthers are waiting for their Round 2 opponent.
“Reorganize, recover, and then to the next,” Forsling said.
