SUNRISE, Fla., March 17 (UPI) -- Sergei Samsonov touched off a three-goal second period Thursday that lifted the Florida Panthers to a 4-0 decision over Toronto.
Scott Clemmensen made 24 saves to pick up his first shutout of the season and slow down Toronto's push for a playoff berth. The Maple Leafs remained four points behind idle Buffalo for the eighth and final post-season spot in the Eastern Conference.
After a scoreless first period, Samsonov scored on a slap shot 49 seconds into the middle stanza and the Panthers then produced power-play goals by Stephen Weiss and Mike Santorelli.
Keaton Ellerby added an empty-net goal with 3:24 to play in the third.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 22 saves for Toronto in his first start since Feb. 16. Toronto rookie James Reimer had started in goal for 13 straight games.
The Maple Leafs had put together a 5-0-2 record in its last seven road contests.
