Panthers Stave off Canadiens

Though Montreal struck back late, Florida nonetheless held on to their early lead,  triumphing 3-2 last night, the AP reports. Panther's goalie Tomas Vokoun made 23 saves, and preserved what would have been his third shutout in six games until midway through the third, when Montreal's Andrei Markov scored his first of two goals in the period.

Canadiens' rookie goalie Carey Price, filling in for the injured Cristobal Huet, showed his lack of experience. Florida's second goal of the game came on a play in which Price's aggressive effort led to Jozef Stumpel scoring at 18:12 in the first. Stephen Weiss and Brett McLean were responsible for the other Panthers' goals. Florida has won four of its last six. (More NHL stories.)