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Wheeler, Bruins edge Panthers in SO

Dec 28, 2010 - 5:20 AM Sunrise, FL (Sports Network) - Blake Wheeler scored the game-winner in the second round of the shootout as Boston nipped Florida, 3-2, at BankAtlantic Center.

David Krejci notched both regulation goals for the Bruins, who opened up a five-game road trip with their third win in their last four tries.

"I think we played a really good game today, the offense got hot at the right time," Krejci said. "That's a positive sign but at the same time we have to keep moving on."

Tim Thomas stopped 32-of-34 shots for the victory.

David Booth and Mike Santorelli tallied for the Panthers, who had won three of four coming in. Scott Clemmensen took the loss despite 40 saves.

Wheeler capped the second round by scoring with a wrister that ticked off the post, off the back of Clemmensen's skate, and over the goal line.

Thomas then turned away Evgeny Dadonov's effort to end the game.

Booth beat Thomas at the 62-second mark of the second period, then several minutes later the B's netminder turned aside a breakaway chance by Chris Higgins.

Boston picked up a tying goal at 9:05 when Krejci followed up a Michael Ryder rebound and snuck his shot inside the left post.

Santorelli put the Panthers back on top at 15:51 on a tip-in from Michael Frolik.

Wheeler broke down the left wing and dished into the slot, where Krejci lifted a backhander over the diving Florida netminder at 10:35 of the third period

Clemmensen made four saves in overtime to keep his club in the contest.

"The whole story of the game was missed opportunities," said Panthers head coach Peter DeBoer. "There were points in the game, like having that one-goal lead, where we should have buried some chances."

Game Notes

Boston has taken all three meetings with Florida this season and has won five of their last six against the Panthers...The Bruins improved to 1-3 in the shootout while the Panthers fell to 2-1...Frolik assisted on both Florida goals.