Erik Karlsson scores go-ahead goal in 2nd period, Senators top Panthers 3-1 to open 3-0

The Associated Press

SUNRISE, Fla. - Erik Karlsson scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and the Ottawa Senators won their third straight game to start the season, beating the Florida Panthers 3-1 on Thursday night.

Chris Phillips also scored for Ottawa, and Craig Anderson made 25 saves. Jason Spezza added an empty-net goal with 1:16 remaining.

Tomas Fleischmann scored and Jose Theodore stopped 34 of 36 shots for Florida. The defending Southeast Division champions fell to 1-3.

Ottawa has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between the teams.

Theodore stopped Guillaume Latendresse on a penalty shot with 9:11 left in the third period. Brian Campbell was called for hooking Latendresse as the Senators player skated in on goal.