The former (it’s probably safe to call him former now) Saint
John Sea Dogs captain was named first star in his first National Hockey League
game. Huberdeau scored and added two assists as he helped the Florida Panthers defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 on opening night in Sunrise.
Huberdeau needed just 3:37 to score his first NHL goal.
Huberdeau also assisted on Scottie Upshall’s goal at
17:27 of the first to make it 4-0 Panthers. The Florida rookie headed into
intermission with a goal, an assist, five shots, and 5:17 of ice time. He also
took a holding penalty.
At 3:35 of the second, he helped set up an Alex Kovalev goal.
The second line of Huberdeau, Kovalev, and Peter Mueller was solid all game.
Huberdeau finished the game with a goal, two assists, a
+2 rating, two penalty minutes, five shots, two hits, a 100% faceoff
percentage, and was on the ice for 14:25. Not bad for a pro debut.
Yann Sauve, Simon Despres, and Mike Hoffman are the only
other Sea Dogs players to ever play in a NHL game. Of those players, only
Despres has recorded a point.
Up next for the Panthers is a Monday visit to Ottawa to
take on the Senators.
Elsewhere, Despres helped the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1. He had one hit, two penalty minutes, and 10:26 of
ice time.
Also, Gerard Gallant made his return to the NHL coaching
ranks. His Montreal Canadiens last 2-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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