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Panthers seeking more success against Maple Leafs

Feb 10, 2009 - 2:23 PM Toronto (20-24-9) at Florida (25-19-8), 7:30 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- The Florida Panthers on Tuesday will aim for their third win in as many meetings with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

The Panthers have posted a 3-0-2 record in their previous five contests against the Maple Leafs. After recording a 4-2 triumph over Toronto last month, Florida pulled out a 4-3 overtime victory last Tuesday.

Bryan McCabe scored the game-winner in the extra session after the Panthers erased a two-goal deficit in the third period.

Florida, however, is coming off a 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Keith Ballard netted the club's lone goal in that one.

Jason Blake continued his hot play, scoring a pair of goals in the third period as the Maple Leafs recorded a 5-2 triumph over the Canadiens on Saturday.

"In order for us to win - we're not a San Jose or Detroit type of team - we need to play the way we can play," Blake said. "That means we need to use our speed, make simple plays and get on the forecheck and shoot the puck. I thought (tonight), it was a great team effort."

Over his last 10 games, the 35-year-old Blake has notched nine goals and 16 points.

Defenseman Luke Schenn netted his first NHL goal and fellow rookie Nikolai Kulemin and blue-liner Jeff Finger also tallied Saturday for Toronto, which improved to 3-2-1 since the All-Star break.