SUNRISE, FL - The Florida Panthers got the playoffs off on the right foot last night with a convincing 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at home.

The Panthers went down early in the first when Lubos Bartecko scored off a rebound just over 5 minutes into the period.

"That was my fault," said goaltender Jocelyn Thibault, "I made the first save off my right pad, but I didn't control the rebound well enough and Bartecko was right there to hammer it home."

Florida would tie the game then take the lead for good late in the first period on goals by Radek Dvorak and John Madden respectively. Stephane Quintal would add the insurance goal midway through the 2nd period.

Defense was the story of the game for the Panthers though, with the defense corps holding the Leafs to just 14 shots, more than half of which were in the first period.

"We have been stressing responsible play in our own end, and the boys really came through with that tonight, I'm happy with our performance, we just have to keep it up." said Head Coach Glen Sather at the postgame press conference.

The Panthers will host the Leafs for game 2 on Thursday night.

The Leafs weren't prepared last night. Tonight, Toronto will even the series! Article by me coming up soon.

Not prepared?? For the playoffs?? Sounds like a problem with your organization! ;)