Last night saw the Ducks rise to the occasion, dethroning one of the leaders of the Eastern Conference by a 3-1 score. Multi-point performances from Nick Ritchie and Pontus Aberg were welcomed contributions, and Carter Rowney's impact in his first game back from a 20-game absence was substantial. The Ducks' special teams made the difference, scoring on the power play while also going 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
Though it will most likely be John Gibson's net tonight, Ryan Miller delivered a sparkling performance in goal last night. With the win, the 38-year-old netminder moved past Andy Moog (372) for sole possession of 17th on the all-time wins list for NHL goaltenders. Miller is now just one victory shy of tying John Vanbiesbrouck (374) for the all-time lead among U.S.-born goaltenders in wins. Gibson enters tonight's game with a 1-3-0 record, 3.81 goals-against average and .896 save percentage in five career games vs. Florida.
The Panthers come in with a 9-9-4 record overall, including a 4-3-2 mark at home. They snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils at BB&T Center on Monday. Mike Hoffman leads the Panthers in goals (12) and points (23), while Jonathan Huberdeau paces the club in assists (17). Both players factored into the win on Monday, with Huberdeau recording his 100th career NHL goal with the game-tying marker in the final minutes of regulation, and Hoffman scoring the OT winner. James Reimer made 29 saves in the win and improved his record this season to 4-5-0 with a 3.39 GAA and .892 SV%. Reimer is 3-0 with a 1.67 GAA and .946 GAA in three career appearances against Anaheim.
Tonight's matchup opens a two-game season series between the Ducks and Panthers, which has seen Anaheim post a 14-15-4 all-time record and a 6-7-3 mark on the road. Ryan Getzlaf leads active Ducks in scoring against the Panthers with 11 points (4g/7a) in 13 career games.
