NHL: Florida 4, Chicago 3 (SO)

HELSINKI, Finland, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Ville Koistinen's shoot-out goal Friday lifted Florida to a 4-3 season-opening victory against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Koistinen, the lone Finnish skater for either squad, scored in the shootout's second round, giving the Panthers a 2-1 shoot-out edge.

The NHL's first-ever contest in Finland was played before 12,056 fans at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki and Koistinen received a standing ovation after his game-winner.

Inspired by compatriots, he also scored in regulation during a 4-on-4 play in the third period, creating a 3-3 tie.

David Booth scored once, while Michael Frolik had a goal and an assist for the Panthers, whose eight-year playoff drought is the longest in the league.

Patrick Kane led the Blackhawks with a goal and an assist, while Patrick Sharp Dustin Byfuglien each scored once.

Chicago took 24 shots on goal in the third period.