Reinhart scores twice, two SHG tallies, and more: 3 reasons why Florida Panthers won 4-2 over Tampa Bay Lightning

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Dec 23, 2024 02:34 GMT

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The Florida Panthers beat their interstate rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-2 on Sunday evening at Amalie Arena.

Eetu Luostarinen got a crucial shorthanded goal in the second period to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead. That goal would prove to be the game-winner. Meanwhile, Sam Reinhart had two goals with A.J. Greer adding another shortie to give the Florida Panthers the win. Nick Paul and Brayden Point scored for the Lightning in the losing effort.

3 reasons why Florida Panthers won over Tampa Bay Lightning

#3 Spencer Knight was solid

Spencer Knight (#30) - Source: Imagn

Florida Panthers’ backup netminder Spencer Knight had a solid outing, making 19 saves on 21 shots. While the Bolts didn’t overly test Knight, he made the saves he had to.

Most importantly, the outing was an encouraging sign as Knight has struggled at times this season. Knight has won three of his last five outings, bouncing back over the past two games after giving up five goals in back-to-back appearances. He made 24 saves in a losing effort against the Calgary Flames on December 14.

#2 Sam Reinhart led the offensive charge

Sam Reinhart led the way offensively for the Cats with two goals in the game. Reinhart added an empty-netter late in the third period for his 22nd of the season.

The four-goal outburst for the Florida Panthers keeps them in the top five in goals for this season, with an average of 3.54. It’s also worth noting that the Panthers are third in the league with 1,068 shots, making them a surprisingly strong offensive team.

#1 Two shorthanded goals

The Florida Panthers entered Sunday night’s matchup with an 80.6 PK% good for 13th in the league. And on Sunday night, that penalty kill rose to the forefront with two shorthanded goals in the second period roughly a minute apart.

Interestingly enough, the Panthers scored both goals during the same Lightning power play opportunity. The first goal was a turnover off a Nikita Kucherov shot at the Panthers’ blue line with A.J. Greer taking the puck and leading the rush. He picked up the rebound and buried the puck home.

Moments later, Eetu Luostarinen robbed Antony Cirelli of the puck, went on a breakaway, and beat Andrei Vasilevsky for the Cats’ second shortie of the period. The goal was a backbreaker and proved to be the game-winner.

The first-place Panthers will face off against the Lightning in the second leg of their home-and-home series before heading off on their Christmas break.