The Carolina Hurricanes dropped a close one with the Southeast Division leading Florida Panthers on Sunday evening, 3-2 in overtime. The Canes remain one of only two teams in the league yet to win a single game that has gone beyond regulation, (0-6). The Calgary Flames are 0-4.
The first period was a mixed bag as the Canes got off to a slow start but picked up their skating later in the period.
Just four minutes into the game, Sean Bergenheim skated from end to end and beat Cam Ward when he knocked in a pass to himself off the end boards. But late in the period, Tim Gleason tied things up with a shot from the point.
It was Gleason's first of the season and first goal in 97 games, dating to November of last year.
Carolina fought back hard and dominated play the second period. They finally were able to cash in when Chad LaRose stole the puck and whistled it past Jose Theodore, 13:45 into the period. They outshot the Panthers, 16-4 in the second.
The third period was all Florida though as the Canes could only muster two shots on goal in the entire period. Jason Garrison tied things up for the Cats, but neither team could notch the game winner in regulation.
Kris Versteeg was in the right place at the right time and netted the game winner on a rebound at 3:08 into overtime. The Panthers outshot the Canes 3-1 in the extra stanza.
The Canes will do some charity work on Monday and then will prepare for their next match which will be against the Phoenix Coyotes on Wednesday night.
Game Notes:
- The Canes did a nice job in the circle and won 60% of the game's faceoffs. (Staal 62%, Jokinen 67%, Sutter 50%, Brent 67%)
- For the game, they outshot their opponents 26-25, mostly thanks to that dominating second period. But they could generate little offense in the third. Staal had a team high five shots on goal.
- The powerplay took a step back in this one and went 0-3. They allowed one goal while playing shorthanded as the Cats went 1-3.
- They were given credit for 21 hits led by Jay Harrison with four.
- Tim Gleason played a team high 25:12 on this night. Staal played 23:42. Anthony Stewart played a team low 3:26.
For post game interviews, check out Canes PR.com.