FLORIDA PANTHERS vs. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
MAY 8, 2021
BB&T Center – Sunrise, Fla.
| FLORIDA PANTHERS | TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING |
| 5 | 1 |
- The Panthers improved to 36-14-5 and 4-2-1 vs. TBL this season. All four of FLA’s wins have come in regulation, marking the first time since 2010-11 that the Panthers have defeated the Lightning four times in regulation in one season.
- Alex Wennberg recorded three goals (3-0-3), his second hat trick of the season (April 3 vs. CBJ). He is the seventh Panther in club history to record multiple hat tricks in one season (Pavel Bure – 1998-99 (3X), 1999-00 (4X), 2000-01 (4X), Olli Jokinen – 2006-07 (3X), Ray Sheppard – 1996-97 (3X), Noel Acciari – 2019-20, Aleksander Barkov – 2018-19, David Booth – 2008-09).
- Wennberg’s performance marks the fourth hat trick by a Panther this season (Carter Verhaeghe, Noel Acciari and Wennberg twice).
- Wennberg has produced six points (4-2-6) over his past five games.
- Jonathan Huberdeau notched two points (1-1-2). The goal was his 20th of the season, marking his fourth straight season with at least 20 goals.
- Huberdeau has amassed 38 points (13-25-38) over 38 career games vs. TBL.
- Sam Bennett recorded two points (1-1-2). He has registered 15 points (6-9-15) through his first 15 games in a Panthers uniform, the most points by a Panther in their first 10 games with the club in franchise history.
- Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 of 29 TBL shots (.966 save percentage) for his 19th win of the season.
- Bennett has recorded at least a point in each of his last six games played (3-7-10).
- Owen Tippett produced an assist, extending his point streak to three games (1-3-4).
- Gustav Forsling produced two assists, extending his point streak to three games (1-4-5).
- Aleksander Barkov posted an assist, extending his point streak to three games (2-3-5).
- MacKenzie Weegar recorded an assist, extending his point streak to two games (1-2-3).
- Tonight’s game featured a total of 156 penalty minutes (78 – TBL, 78 – FLA).
- Five different Panthers logged at least four hits.
PANTHERS POSTGAME QUOTES – MAY 8, 2021
Head Coach Joel Quenneville
“I think both teams know we’re going to be facing one another. I still think there’s something at stake so you’ve got to be smart about how you’re playing…Sometimes it went back to old time hockey but I thought we did a good job of staying together and doing what we had to do.”
“I thought for the most part all game long we were in their zone, I don’t think we had the quality or the quantity that we’d like. But I still thought we didn’t give up much. We had some good speed and some good possession shifts. I think we played the right way and did what we had to do.”
“Very pleased with [forward Alex Wennberg]’s effort, his game. The production part is really kind of the bonus plan with him, because he’s reliable defensively, he’s always in the right play. You’re comfortable with him, knowing that you’re getting offense and defense.”
Forward Jonathan Huberdeau
“Tonight we just came in and wanted to play our game and win the game. I think that gives us the possibility to finish in second place and get the home advantage, so that’s what we’re focusing on. It was physical, we don’t mind that. It was a good game, intense game. That’s how it’s going to be along the way. They’re a good team and they can play physical so we’ve just got to match that.”
“I think our team, that’s our character. That’s how we’ve played all year. A little chippy tonight but everybody’s in the same boat. We want to win, and that’s how we play as a team. It showed tonight what kind of team we are.”
“[Forward Alex Wennberg] is a great player. He makes so many plays, he’s a smart player. Happy for him to get a hat trick tonight. I think he’s been playing really well lately.”
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
“We had a good crowd behind us, it was a great atmosphere. We’re going to see those guys (Tampa Bay) a lot. I loved everything about tonight’s game.”
“Every game we just have to get together and keep building and building. They are a good team too. We have to respect them but go about our business and work hard.”
“Overall I think it’s a very solid game and it’s a great team win.”
Forward Alex Wennberg
“It was a really tough game. We both want to win. There’s a good chance here that you rough people up a little bit, get some intensity. As you can see there was a lot of fights a lot of energy. It’s playoffs coming up so it’s a great game to play out there.”
“(Playing for Florida) has been great from the start. Obviously this year has been a little crazy, but for me to come in with this new team, get a fresh start with the coaches and players, it’s been a blast. But there’s still a lot left in the season so I’m excited to be even better.”
“(Tampa Bay) is a really tough team to play against, but I feel like the way they play the game, if we play our style it’s going to get rewarded. I’ve played against them before and I’m excited to do it again.”
