Jonathan Huberdeau powers Panthers blowout win

Editor’s Note: Enjoy 15% off our NEW NBC Sports EDGE+ Subscription this holiday season and get every tool (Fantasy, DFS & Betting) for every game at a great low price. Use promo code HOLIDAY15 at checkout. Click here to Buy Now.

The rivalry between the Panthers and Lightning have typically been one that doesn’t get a lot of attention outside of Florida, but the rise of the Panthers has changed that. The two teams had a fun first round series in the 2021 playoffs and their neck-and-neck in the battle for the Atlantic Division title so far this season. Both teams had a win to their names in the season series going into Thursday’s action, but last night’s game was a one-sided affair.

The Panthers hit the ground running with a goal from Anthony Duclair just 2:10 minutes into the contest and Florida never slowed down en route to a 9-3 victory. Florida took advantage of the fact that Lightning goaltenders Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott were both in the COVID protocol, but the Panthers also deserve credit for the amazing night they had.

Jonathan Huberdeau in particular had a big night with a goal and four assists. What makes it even more incredible is that it’s his fourth five-point game in a calendar year. To put that into contest, since 1990 only two players have had more five-point games in a single calendar year: Mario Lemieux (six in 1992) and Pat LaFontaine (five in 1992), per TSN’s StatsCentre. Playing in his 10th NHL season, Huberdeau has only ever appeared on a single Hart Trophy ballot (a third-place selection in 2021, which resulted in him tying for 13th place in the overall voting), but he’s been a great forward throughout his career who has only gotten better as he’s gained experience.

Don’t forget, for everything NHL, check out NBC Sports EDGE’s Player News, and follow @NBCSEdgeHK and @RyanDadoun on Twitter.

FLORIDA 9 TAMPA BAY 3

As mentioned above, Jonathan Huberdeau played the biggest role in the Panthers’ blowout, scoring a goal and…