DucOWNED - Cats 5, Pens 2

Mike Duco delighted the Panthers' coaches and his fans from the Kitchener Rangers today, picking up a Gordie Howe hat trick this afternoon as the Panthers rolled to a 5-2 victory against the Baby Pens.

Duco threw in a second fight for good measure, helping to boost the Panthers' 56 PIM count in the game. Pittsburgh registered 38.

David Shantz started this time, and unlike yesterday, it was the Penguins scoring early. After outshooting the Pens 10-5 in the first, Florida headed into the second and immediately tied the game at 1 on the power play off the stick of Michal Repik.

Midway through the second period, Pittsburgh reclaimed the lead before Duco stepped up, stole the puck and, shorthanded, fed Kenndal McArdle the puck to knot the game at two. The Cats wouldn't look back, scoring late in the second and twice more in the third.

The Panthers were shorthanded nine times, but were a remarkable 9-for-9 on the penalty kill, including Duco's shortie. On the flip side, Florida went 1-for-5 on the power play. Through two games, the Panthers have gone 2-for-11 on the power play (18%) and have killed off 13 of 15 penalties (87%).

Through the first two games of the tournament, the Cats have put up 29 and 28 shots, holding the opposition to 25 each game. The Panthers' point leaders are Duco, Matthias and Brine, each with a goal and an assist. Tomorrow night the Panthers will take on the Maple Leafs' rookies at 7PM.