Panthers’ fans have to be wondering where this team has been all season. The Florida Panthers got their 2nd win in a row Wednesday night with a shutout 4-0 victory over division rival Tampa Bay Lightning. A complete, all around effort from the Panthers enabled them to secure a solid victory over the Lightning.

Bryan McCabe got his first goal of the season in the 1st period, scoring at the 16:33 mark. Florida solidified its victory in the 2nd period as Nathan Horton scored on the powerplay just 1:28 in and Gregory Campbell scored his first of the season at the 10:25 mark, again on the powerplay. Campbell got his second of the season in the 3rd period, scoring late on (16:28) to cap off a stellar effort from the Panthers.

Unlike most games, this one leaves us listing off the things the Panthers did perfectly to secure the win. Backup goalie Craig Anderson was outstanding in net, again, stopping all 24 shots he faced. The defense was solid going 5-5 on the penalty kill, and the offense arrived putting up 4 goals and going 2-6 on the powerplay. Florida outshot the Lightning 31-24 for the game, 8-4 in the 1st, 15-9 in the 2nd, and were outshot 8-11 in the 3rd.

As enjoyable as the Panthers’ victory was, I suppose it is only necessary for a dose of reality. Tampa Bay isn’t exactly dominating the league. Tampa Bay is last in the NHL at 2.00 goals per game, and are in the bottom 1/3 of the league in powerplay and penalty kill effectiveness. But, a win is a win and the Panthers will take ‘em however they can get ‘em.