Hurricanes 3, Panthers 0

The Carolina Hurricanes had a much better beginning to this game as they took a 1-0 lead in the first period and went on to defeat the Florida Panthers, 3-0 on Thursday night in Sunrise.

Anton Khudobin made 35 saves on 35 shots to earn his first shutout as a Hurricane, and the fourth third of his career.

Jiri Tlusty scored twice to lead the Canes.

After Tlusty put Carolina up 1-0 at 9:09 into the game as he took a nice pass from Eric Staal, Radek Dvorak was called for charging (a five minute major), and was handed a game misconduct as he skated into goalie Roberto Luongo.  The Hurricanes were able to kill the penalty though as they did not allow a shot on goal in the sequence.

Luongo did not return after the first intermission and Dan Ellis came in as his replacement.

Tlusty scored again two minutes and change into the second period, then Jeff Skinner made it 3-0, three minutes later to close out the scoring.

The third period was a scoreless one, as Khudobin held on to claim his shutout.

The Canes return home and will face Columbus on Saturday night.

Game Notes:

• The Canes had 32 shots on goal and were led by Tlusty with five.
• Brett Bellemore had a team high three hits.  He also led the way with two blocked shots.
• The Hurricanes are now 9-0-2 when Tlusty scores.
• It was the first time in franchise history that Carolina swept Florida in a season series.  They were 3-0-0 this year.