Classic Rewind: Panthers Top Devils in 1st-Ever NHL Game at West Point

In the first-ever NHL game played at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, the Florida Panthers topped the New Jersey Devils by a score of 4-2 at Tate Rink on Oct. 8, 2016.

The Panthers had traveled to West Point in previous years for team-building activities, but had never competed on the academy's hallowed grounds up until this point. Additionally, several members the team's front office graduated from West Point, including owner Vincent J. Viola.

The game also marked the debut for several new Panthers and showcased the team's new jerseys, which had been revealed several months earlier during a special ceremony in June.

As part of their "Panthers Rewind" series, FOX Sports Florida re-aired the win on Thursday.

"We are honored to have West Point host the Panthers for this preseason game," Viola said in a release prior to the highly-anticipated matchup. "The values and character taught at West Point are ingrained in our team culture and the philosophy of our organization."

In the end, the Panthers left West Point both victorious and with a new captain.

After Andy Green gave the Devils at 1-0 lead at 3:05 of the first period, Jaromir Jagr answered with a goal of his own for the Panthers to make it 1-1 at 9:45. An NHL legend, Jagr led Florida in scoring during the 2015-16 campaign, registering 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) in 79 contests.

Acquired from New Jersey in a trade on Feb. 26, 2015, Jagr went on tally 130 points (49 goals, 81 assists) over 181 games with the Panthers. During his tenure in Florida, he claimed several NHL records, including passing Mark Messier to claim second place on the all-time scoring list.

Later in the opening period, Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a lower-body injury and would miss the first 51 games of the season. Upon his return, however, the gifted winger appeared to be better than ever, notching 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) over the final 31 games of 2016-17.

Since returning from that injury, Huberdeau has yet to miss a single game while continuing to evolve into a superstar. A 2020 NHL All-Star, the 26-year-old was leading the Panthers with 78 points (23 goals, 55 assists) prior to the NHL pausing the regular season due to the coronavirus.

In three seasons following his injury, Huberdeau has posted 265 points (90 goals, 175 assists).

But even with one of their stars sidelined, the Panthers went on to dismantle the Devils in the second period. After Colton Sceviour made it 2-1, Vincent Trocheck and Aaron Ekblad followed suit to make to make it 4-1. In the third, Mike Cammalleri scored for New Jersey to make it 4-2.

Between the pipes, Roberto Luongo played the entire game and made 25 save. At the other end of the ice, Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid split time in goal for the Devils. Schneider surrendered four goals on 15 shots, while Kinkaid turned aside all eight shots he faced in relief.

The day after the game, the Panthers made one last big announcement before heading back to South Florida when Derek MacKenzie was named the ninth captain in franchise history during a private ceremony. Additionally, Jussi Jokinen and Ekblad were honored as alternate captains.

"He's a hard-working guy who's just the perfect captain,'' Jagr said of MacKenzie, who wore the "C" for two seasons with the Panthers. "He cares about the team, knows his role on it. Every time he's on the ice, he gives you everything he has. He's a good example for everyone.''

For the full broadcast schedule of upcoming "Panthers Rewinds," click HERE.

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