3 major takeaways from Florida Panthers' 2-1 preseason win vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Florida Panthers won a spirited preseason affair against the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in OT on Wednesday night at Amelie Arena. Sandis Vilmanis scored 15 seconds into OT, giving the Panthers a hard-fought win.

Zac Dalpe opened the scoring for the Panthers with a power play goal in the second period. Nikita Kucherov tied the game late in the third period for Tampa Bay to send it to OT.

The game was a penalty-packed affair that featured a heavyweight bout between Connor Geekie and Josh Davies. Here's a closer look at three major takeaways from Florida’s 2-1 over Tampa Bay on Wednesday night.

3 major takeaways from Florida Panthers' preseason win vs Tampa Bay Lightning

#3. Spencer Knight outdueled Andrei Vasilevsky

Spencer Knight got the start for the Florida Panthers and did not disappoint. Knight stopped 26 shots to keep the Panthers in the game. While Knight wasn’t forced to make huge saves, he stood tall when he had to.

For instance, he stopped Jake Guentzel on a quick rush late in the second period to preserve the Panthers’ 1-0 lead.

As for Andrei Vasilevsky, he kept the Lightning in the game by making several key stops during a 5-on-3 power play for the Panthers midway through the second period. In the end, Vasilevsky gave up the game-winning goal in OT.

#2. The game got out of hand in the second period

The first period was relatively uneventful. But then, a penalty-filled second period culminated with a bout between Connor Geekie and Josh Davies. Geekie attacked Davies following a hit on Tampa Bay captain Victor Hedman.

Geekie subsequently got a game misconduct while Davies got five for fighting.

It’s worth pointing out that Florida scored on the power play to take a 1-0 lead. However, the Panthers eventually went 1-for-4 with the man advantage.

#1. Sandis Vilmanis had a tremendous game

Vilmanis registered a goal and an assist in the game, assisting Dalpe's power-play goal before scoring the winner in OT.

Vilmanis looked good on the ice. He was fast and strong, making key plays both at even strength and on the power play. He logged over 20 minutes of ice time, especially after the Panthers were down to 10 forwards due to the departures of William Lockwood and Jonah Gadjovich with apparent injuries.

Given his strong performance, Vilmanis could be making a case to start the season on the Panthers’ Opening Night roster. It remains to be seen if that’s the case. Nevertheless, his strong overall game, particularly in the absence of most of Florida’s regulars, helped build a strong argument for Vilmanis to make the team.