Bruins: Lindholm and Zadorov lead 4-1 rout of Panthers

The opening faceoff at TD Garden produced 126 total penalty minutes, a figure that set the tone for a chaotic first period. Boston defenseman Nikita Zadorov, who stands 6-foot-7, removed his gloves to fight Florida forward Brady Tkachuk, who measures 6-foot-1. The physical exchange preceded a goal by Elias Lindholm at the 4:50 mark of the first period. Lindholm's wrister slipped past Florida goalie Jacob Markstrom and trickled behind him before he attempted to pull it back with his glove. A lengthy review confirmed the goal, giving Boston a 1-0 lead.

Mikey Eyssimont extended the advantage less than two minutes later. He wrapped around the net and poked a loose puck into the goal to make the score 2-0. Morgan Geekie then added a one-timed power-play goal at 15:59 of the first period. Geekie scored for the fourth consecutive game while Boston held a two-man advantage. The Bruins held a 3-0 lead entering the second period.

Carter Verhaeghe reduced the deficit with a one-timer that made the score 3-1. Jeremy Swayman, the Boston goaltender, finished the night with 40 saves. He stopped 17 shots during the first period alone. Jacob Markstrom recorded 32 saves for Florida. The Panthers have lost three of their last four games.

Boston improved to a 7-0-0 record at home with the victory. It marked the team's fourth straight win. The Bruins placed young star James Hagens on injured reserve the day before this matchup. The team entered the game with the NHL's second-best goal differential, trailing only Carolina. At TD Garden, Boston maintains a plus-21 goal differential. David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha each provided two assists for Boston. JJ Peterka recorded a goal for the home team.

The Panthers swept the three-game series against Boston last season, winning each contest by one goal. The teams meet again soon. Florida closes its three-game road trip on Tuesday in Columbus. Boston plays the second of four consecutive home games on Thursday against Montreal.