Ranger a Danger as Cats Win Game Two.

Sunrise, Floida -- Despite missing their two best players, the Florida Panthers gutted out a 2-1 home victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. They now lead the series 2-0.

Jason Spezza and Evgeni Malkin were the top two scorers during the regular season for the Panthers. But both got hurt in game one and missed game two. The Panthers played a different type of game tonight. They were counting punching more and they lacked a physical edge for the first time this post season. But the fact remains they came through with a large victory on home ice.

For the second straight game Paul Ranger scored with a blast from the point.

"Ranger has elevated his game this season," said Panthers GM IronMike McComish. "It's so important to have that secondary scoring, especially with the injuries we faced tonight. Paul is getting his point shot on net and it's finding the mark this series. Obviously we hope he keeps it going."

Early in the final frame the Panthers received a big goal from the fourth line when Alyn McCauley scored his 3rd of the post season. It turned out to be a vital goal as the Flyers scored late to make it close.

The injury bug continues to bite the Cats in this series. Marc Savard left the game early in the second period. He was seen limping off the ice to the trainers room. But a release from the team after the game lists Savard as day-to-day with an upper body injury. Go figure!

Game Notes: Patrick Lalime won his fifth straight playoff game. He now has a 1.36 GAA in the post season......Patrick Eaves played his third game in the post season taking the place of Evgeni Malkin......Petr Taticek was called up from the Jacksonville Jokers to play on the second line. He replaced Jason Spezza and assisted on the first goal of the game by Paul Ranger......Most insiders questioned the Panthers decision to acquire Alyn McCauley at the trade deadline. McCauley is making it look like a very wise move. Alyn now has a team leading three goals in the Playoffs......The Panthers have listed Jason Spezza, Evgeni Malkin and Marc Savard as game-time decisions for game three in Philadelphia on Monday night.......Speaking of Philadelphia, Bruno St. Jacques was added to the line-up for game two replacing the suspended Chris Phillips. St. Jacques played 19 quality minutes in his first game this post-season.