Panthers Wrap-Up: Panthers 5, Hurricanes 1

SUNRISE, Fla. (NHL.com) — Brian Campbell scored two power-play goals and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and two assists in his NHL debut as the Florida Panthers opened defense of their Southeast Division title with a 5-1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes before a sellout crowd of 19,688 at the BB&T Center on Saturday night.

Veteran Alex Kovalev, who was signed after attending Panthers camp on a tryout basis, also had a goal and two assists. Scottie Upshall had the other first-period power-play goal for the Panthers, who jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.

@lizzilizz: The Rats flew tonight! Great @FlaPanthers win & I got my cap autographed by most of the players #GoCats #BelieveRED

@Jvan14: Congrats @JonnyHuby11 on your flawless first goal! Thanks to the @FlaPanthers for an amazing game!!!!! #thecatsareback #FlaPanthers

@Britstar223: GAH being sick and going to a hockey game is horrible cus now I can't even speak! But it's worth it for a 5-1 domination! @FlaPanthers

@steffft25: Literally epic night thank you @FlaPanthers ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@WPFritts: Way to go @FlaPanthers that's a great way to start the year.

Garrett Carlson: I know its just one game and there will be rookie mistakes and a learning curve to go through, but wow Huberdeau is going to be fun to watch. His vision and awareness of everyone on the ice tonight was unbelievable.

Wendy Shain: Yey! A great start to an incREDible season hopefully!

Jim Morin: Not only a great season start but think what this means for the future of the team down the road.

Kévin Houle: Kovy-Huby good match

1. Super rook Jonathan Huberdeau didn't waste any time in making his presence felt as he scored his first NHL goal on his very first NHL shot. The goal, with Huberdeau stationed above the crease came 3:37 into the game.

2. Patrolling the blue line, Lady Byng winner Brian Campbell is expected to put up the assist more than the goal but he scored two power play goals in the opening period. It was the second time he's had a multiple point game in his NHL career, also accomplishing the feat on Nov. 17, 2005 against Washington.

3. Huberdeau and fellow line mate had debuts to remember as the duo each posted three point nights. They did it on identical 1-2-3 stat lines. The duo registered assists on each of the others goals and picked up another along the way.

4. Florida posted four goals in the opening period, getting the crowd into it early. The last time the Panthers recorded four goals in a period came on Dec. 17, 2010 when they did it in the first period against Buffalo.

6. Florida found themselves on the man advantage six different times. They also found themselves killing off penalties on six occasions. The special teams were fantastic as the power play scored on 50% of it's chances while the penalty kill was just as good, killing off all six Hurricanes attempts.