The Rangers (22-9-4) lead the Panthers (19-11-7) four goals to one half way through the second period of their Friday night game in BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida. The Rangers scored three of their four goals in the first period and then another in the beginning of the second before the Panthers scored their first.
The Rangers got off to a fast start as left winger Carl Hagelin scored the team's first goal after just 35 seconds. Center Brad Richards scored the team's second goal five minutes later and then with five minutes left in the first, defenseman Michael Del Zotto scored to give the Rangers a 3-0 lead. After the three-goal first period, Panthers coach, Kevin Dineen, pulled goalie Scott Clemmensen and replaced him with Jose Theodore.
It didn't take too long for Theodore to allow his first goal as just seven minutes passed in the second period before the Rangers continued to pour it on by scoring their fourth goal, this one by left winger Brandon Dubinsky. After getting down in a 4-0 hole, the Panthers scored their first goal, by right winger Matt Bradley.
The Panthers have a long way to go and not much time to do it if they want to win this one. If they allow one more goal, it's likely over for Florida.