The Florida Panthers are hosting the New Jersey Devils on Friday night in the first game of a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. The Devils hold a 3-2 lead following the first two periods of play and the action is beginning to really heat up.

The Panthers entered the second period in a 3-0 hole as a result of some questionable calls and a lack of an aggressive offense. For much of the period, the action was fast-paced but relatively uneventful.

Florida was finally able to get on the board at 7:44 on a goal by Sean Bergenheim.

New Jersey's Stephen Gionta was called for tripping with less than 5:00 left in the period and the Panthers wasted no time in their second power play of the game, winning the faceoff and cutting the lead to one goal with a five-hole shot by Kris Versteeg. Following a scrum, the Panthers went on the attack during 4-on-4 play.

With just over two minutes left in the period, the Panthers had a few seconds of 4-on-3 before moving into the power play, but were unable to get a third shot past Martin Brodeur.

For all news and information regarding the New Jersey Devils, please visit In Lou We Trust. For updates and perspective on the Florida Panthers, head on over to Litter Box Cats.