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Panthers, Senators battle in Sunrise

Mar 10, 2011 - 4:02 PM (Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers are running out of time yet again in their push for the playoffs, but they will shoot for a second straight victory this evening when they host the Ottawa Senators at BankAtlantic Center.

The Panthers are tied for the NHL's longest-ever playoff drought, having already gone nine straight seasons without a postseason berth.

Florida now appears to be headed for a record 10th consecutive campaign without a playoff appearance, as they are nine points out of the East's final postseason spot with just 15 games left.

The Panthers were able to halt a five-game losing streak in their last trip to the ice and the close win over Chicago marked Florida's third straight game (1-0-2) with a point.

Florida scored three goals in the first period and Tomas Vokoun made 37 saves to anchor the Panthers to a 3-2 decision over the Blackhawks. Chicago had entered the game with eight straight wins before dropping Tuesday's setback at BankAtlantic Center.

David Booth recorded a goal and an assist while Clay Wilson and Marty Reasoner also tallied for the Panthers.

"They're a great team and they've been on a roll. We came out with a lot of energy and then held on for dear life," Reasoner said about the victory. "It's a good experience for our guys to play in meaningful games late in the year."

It's unclear if Vokoun or backup Scott Clemmensen will get the start in net tonight. Clemmensen is 3-1-0 with a 2.69 goals-against average in his career against Ottawa, while Vokoun is just 3-10-0 with a 3.46 GAA versus the Senators.

Tonight's test marks the third tilt of a seven-game homestand for the Panthers, who are just 13-13-7 in Sunrise this season.

The Senators have won two of three and five of their last eight games, but they are dead last in the East and eight points behind the Panthers. Ottawa earned a win in its most recent contest, edging the Devils in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Erik Condra netted both goals, including the game-winner with 2:13 to play in the third period, in Ottawa's 2-1 victory over the Devils.

Condra, playing in his tenth NHL game, had his second two-goal game to account for all of the goals he has scored with Ottawa. Jason Spezza set up the decisive marker for the Senators, who have won four of their last five road contests and are 12-16-4 as the guest this year.

"You grow up watching a guy like that dominate the league. You get one on him and your excited and the second one was lucky, but I'll take it," Condra said about scoring twice against New Jersey netminder Martin Brodeur.

Craig Anderson turned away 31 shots to earn the win for the visitors. Anderson is 5-3-0 with a 1.49 GAA since coming over to Ottawa in a trade with Colorado. He is expected to get the start this evening against his other former club.

Ottawa, which is playing the second test on a four-game road trip tonight, has won four of its last five games as the guest.

The Senators have won both meetings with Florida this season and have taken four straight and five of six overall from the Panthers. Ottawa has won two in a row, three of four and six of its last eight in Sunrise.