Panthers aim to continue ascent vs. Red Wings

The important number for the Florida Panthers in their last outing was 40.As in, the Panthers collected their 40th victory of the season and Sam Reinhart reached — and eclipsed — the 40-goal mark.When they visit Detroit on Saturday afternoon, the number they’ll be chasing is four. Florida will aim for their fourth consecutive victory overall and 14th in the last 16 games.The Panthers’ last five games have been decided by one goal — one regulation victory, a regulation loss and three in overtime or a shootout.The 4-3 victory over Montreal on Thursday ended with Anton Lundell’s goal in the shootout.”We knew it was not going to be easy,” Lundell said. “We had to battle every shift.”Reinhart scored two goals in regulation, giving him a career-best 41 this season. He never had more than 33 in his first eight full seasons in the league.Reinhart hadn’t scored a goal in the previous seven games.”It’s felt like a long time coming. It’s nice to get back on the scoresheet and get a win,” he said.His short-handed goal with 6:55 remaining in the third period tied the game at 3-apiece. He has five short-handed goals this season, one shy of the franchise record.”It’s a huge milestone. It’s incredibly difficult,” coach Paul Maurice said. “There’s very few men in the history of the game that get to the 40-goal mark. It’s a huge accomplishment. He’s earned it. Good on him.”The Canadiens’ three-goal tally was the most by an opponent in 15 games, speaking to the stoutness of Florida’s defense.

Playlist