The Florida Panthers announced an 8-3 victory over the Nashville Predators, with A.J. Greer leading the offensive explosion with two goals and an assist.
Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe each contributed a goal and two assists in the rout. The Panthers’ balanced attack also featured goals from Gustav Forsling, Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Sam Bennett.
Daniil Tarasov made 36 saves for Florida, who’ve now won three of their last four games.
The Predators got goals from Filip Forsberg, Fedor Svechkov and Nick Blankenburg. Goaltenders Juuse Saros and Justus Annunen combined for 17 saves in the loss.
Nashville has now lost eight of nine games and sits in last place overall in the NHL.
Panthers Set Season Pace
Florida scored a season-high eight goals for the second time in a week.
The Panthers wasted no time getting started. Greer found the net just 11 seconds after the opening faceoff.
It’s becoming a troubling pattern for Nashville. In Saturday’s loss to Colorado, the Predators surrendered the first goal just 15 seconds into the game, also on the first shot.
Rodrigues extended the lead to 2-0 at 5:42 of the first period, capitalizing on a rebound from the left side.
Brief Nashville Rally
The Predators had been shut out in two consecutive games before Forsberg broke through. He redirected Luke Evangelista’s shot past Tarasov, ending a 126:52 stretch without a goal for Nashville.
Svechkov scored his first goal of the season at 10:32 of the first period, briefly tying the game.
But Boqvist restored Florida’s lead just 59 seconds later, making it 3-2.
Bennett pushed the advantage to 4-2 with 4:16 left in the first period. An attempted clear by Svechkov deflected off Bennett’s skate and past a surprised Saros.
Goaltending Changes
Forsling’s goal at 1:24 of the second period ended Saros’s night. The Nashville netminder stopped 11 of the 16 shots he faced before being pulled.
Blankenburg’s power-play goal at 2:11 of the third period drew Nashville within two goals.
Greer restored the three-goal cushion at 4:52, securing his second goal of the night.
Annunen made six saves in relief for the Predators.
Reinhart’s Hot Streak Continues
Reinhart extended his point-scoring streak to seven games with his goal and two assists.
He’s recorded six goals and seven assists over that stretch, providing consistent offensive production for Florida.
Up Next
The Panthers host Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Nashville visits Detroit on Wednesday night.
