The game featured a competitive goaltending matchup with veterans Roberto Luongo and Robin Lehner in between the pipes for their respective squads. Before the puck-drop, the Florida Panthers honored the late Bill Torrey via a PA announcement and video tribute.
The first period commenced with the Islanders taking charge offensively. The Isles fired 7 shots on goal in the game’s first six minutes of play, but the scorching hot Roberto Luongo denied every single shot attempt.
Following a barrage of miraculous scoring chances from the NYI, the Florida Panthers unexpectedly struck first blood.