Boqvist, Bobrovsky backstop Panthers to 4-1 win in Utah

The first ever game between the Florida Panthers and Utah Hockey Club took place on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City.

Unfortunately for most of the fans who packed into the Delta Center, the game went the way of the visiting team.

Another strong game from Sergei Bobrovsky was the backbone as the Panthers took down Utah 4-1.

The first period in Utah was mostly uneventful as both teams appeared to be feeling out one another.

An early power play during the second period gave Florida the opportunity to break the ice at the Delta Center, and they made sure to take advantage.

After winning the puck behind the net, Sam Reinhart pushed it to Matthew Tkachuk and darted to the front of the net while Tkachuk quickly slid the puck to Sasha Barkov in the right circle.

Barkov made quick deke to draw Ian Close his way, giving Tkachuk some open space next to the net. As soon as Cole began moving, Florida’s captain gave the puck back to Tkachuk, who then one-timed it right to a waiting Reinhart in the slot.

Reinhart’s 23rd goal of the season gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead just 65 seconds into the middle frame.

As the period progressed, Utah was able to get more rubber on Bobrovsky.

Bob was called upon to make 17 saves during the second period after stopping just four in the first.

Four of those 17 were high danger shots.

Florida’s new third line picked up a huge goal for the Panthers early in the third, off the stick of Jesper Boqvist.

He collected a feed from Carter Verhaeghe in the slot and beat Karel Vejmelka off the glove to double the Cats’ lead.

The insurance goal came in handy because the Panthers couldn’t stay out of the penalty box, with Logan Cooley sniping Bobrovsky from just below the right circle with 6:19 to go on Utah’s third power play of the period.

Empty-net goals by Boqvist and Eetu Luostarinen ended the Hockey Club’s comeback attempt and sent the Panthers back to South Florida with two points in the bank.

On to the Bruins.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Reinhart’s goal was his first in seven games.

Boqvist now has five goals and eight points over his past eight games.

He also scored two goals during Florida's 5-3 win over the New York Rangers on Dec. 30.

Verhaeghe has points in three consecutive games after going scoreless for six straight.

With an assist on Boqvist’s goal, Lundell has now racked up eight points over his past 11 games.

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