Cats Pick Up a Victory in Final Road Game of the Season

Nieuwendyk Scores Game Winner in Overtime

Joe Nieuwendyk moved within one spot of 19th overall in all-time goals scored with his 26th goal of the season to clinch a 5-4 win in overtime over the Ottawa Senators.

Down the stretch the Panthers have played against overwhelming odds to defeat opponents attempting to clinch playoff spots. Defeating the Senators was impressive on different scales; the most satisfying part of the win was Jacques Martin's victory over his former team.

The scoring started off in the first period from defenseman Alexei Semenov who recorded his second of the season on a one-timer that hit the top-shelf of the net off a dish from Olli Jokinen and Lukas Krajicek.

Jon Sim connected a minute later scrapping with the Senators defensemen in front of the net for his 17th of the season. Chris Gratton and Juraj Kolink connected with assists on the score.

Jokinen opened up the scoring in the second period at 9:17 for his 38th of the season on assists from Jay Bouwmeester and Gary Roberts.

At 13:20 of the third period Martin Gelinas registered his 17th goal of the year off a dish from Mike Van Ryn. Joe Nieuwendyk set up the play.

With the win Roberto Luongo passed John Vanbiesbrouck for all-time franchise wins with 107. With amazing effort, Luongo stopped 46 of 50 shots.

The Cats head home to take on the Washington Capitals on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.