The Florida Panthers got another crack at the New York Islanders this week, and this time got a much better result than before. Last night the Panthers faced off with the Islanders for the 2nd time this week, and were no doubt looking to make a better showing of themselves then they did last Saturday in a 3-1 loss. Florida got out to an early lead against the NHL’s worst team, and made it hold up through a rough 2nd period to take a 3-2 victory.

In defense of Florida’s poor play last week against the Islanders, New York was in the midst of their best win streak all season, but bad is bad. The Islanders are the worst  team in the NHL and are dreadful on the road, all good signs for a Florida team that has rebounded nicely from their poor play Saturday. The Panthers kept it simple this time against the Islanders, with a much better result.

Florida dominated the 1st period, outshooting New York 10-6 and finding the back of the net twice. Jay Bouwmeester scored at 5:41 to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Karlis Skrastins scored just his 4th goal of the year at 16:53 of the period to send Florida into the intermission up 2-0.

The Islanders would show some fight in the 2nd period, where both teams were applying pressure on the other. The teams both mustered 9 shots on goal, with the Islanders climbing back into the game. New York cut it to a 2-1 lead with a goal on the power play at 8:22 of the period. Florida would re-establish a 2 goal lead just over 4 minutes later when Richard Zednik scored a highlight reel goal to put the Panthers up 3-1. Just over 2 minutes later though, the Islanders would make the game interesting with another power play goal to make it 3-2 after 2 periods.

The 3rd period was controlled by the Panthers however as they allowed only 7 shots on goal, all of which were stopped by a healthy Tomas Vokoun. The Panthers held out for a 3-2 win to keep them in control of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Last night’s victory against New York was crucial as the Panthers face a particularly difficult stretch in their next 5 games. Saturday they travel to Southeast Division leading Washington (#2 in the East), Tuesday they are home against Toronto before heading to Carolina Thursday for a big game as the Hurricanes are 1pt behind the Panthers for 8th.