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Rookies lead Oilers over Panthers

Sep 18, 2007 - 3:52 AM By Robb Hunter PA Sportsticker Contributing Writer

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) -- Rookies Kyle Brodziak and Sam Gagner combined for three goals and the Edmonton Oilers hung on to defeat the Florida Panthers, 5-4, in a preseason matchup Monday.

Oilers first-round draft pick, Gagner, made his preseason debut in front of a boisterous crowd at Rexall Place. The London, Ontario native is looking to lock up a spot on the roster after an impressive performance in the Summit Series between Canada and Russia.

Gagner was joined by nine rookies as the Oilers iced a rookie-laden squad in the preseason home opener. The Oilers jumped out to an early lead, just 43 seconds into the first period as Marty Reasoner found Ethan Moreau all alone in the slot to make it 1-0. Just four minutes later, Brodziak put the Oilers up, 2-0, after banking in a rebound off Panthers goalie Thomas Vokoun while on the power-play.

Less than three minutes later, Brodziak added his second goal as he roofed a shot over Vokoun's blocker side.

The Panthers responded before the end of the second as Michael Frolik tipped Jay Bouwmeester's point shot past Duane Roloson with under a minute to go in the first.

The Panthers came out flying in the second period. Only 10 seconds in, Brett McLean and Nathan Horton broke in on a 2-on-1 and Mclean fired it passed Oilers goaltender Roloson to make the score 3-2.

But with only 35 seconds remaining in the second frame, Gagner fired a shot on net that Vokoun got a piece of, but it trickled over his shoulder and the Oilers regained their two-goal cushion.

Edmonton sealed the victory just over two minutes into the third as Tim Sestito took a feed from Kyle Brodziak in the slot and fired it low stick side on Vokoun. It was Brodziak's third point of the night.

Florida added two third period goals, but the margin was too large to overcome.