SUNRISE, Fla., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Brad Boyes opened and closed the scoring Friday and Florida took advantage of a rookie goaltender to sail past Pittsburgh 6-3.
Jeff Zatkoff made his NHL debut for the Penguins and was overwhelmed by a Florida offense that recorded its largest goal total of the young season. The Panthers scored four times in their season opener against Dallas had not delivered more than two goals in any game since.
It was the home opener for the Panthers, who came into the contest on a three-game losing streak.
Florida never trailed and began the scoring when Boyes tallied just 1:55 into the game. The teams battled to a 2-2 tie through one period before Jonathan Huberdeau put the Panthers in front for good 7:08 into the second.
After Florida took a one-goal lead into the final period, Tomas Fleischmann and Boyes completing the scoring. Boyes has four goals for the year.
Jacob Markstrom was the beneficiary of the strong goal support and stopped 36 shots to get the win. He had allowed six goals on 24 shots Thursday against Tampa Bay.
Zatkoff gave up all six goals on 30 shots.
