Scott Clemmensen wanted his first game as a member of the Panthers to be a successful one. For a team that had won just one of its first five games, just a victory would prove to be a successful start.

Clemmensen, 32, won his opening start with the Panthers on Friday. The former New Jersey netminder stopped 25 of 27 shots against the visiting Philadelphia Flyers in a 4-2 victory, facing nine in each of the three periods.

It's not known which goalie will start Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres, but it could be Clemmensen getting the call again. The Panthers play back-to-back games in Pennsylvania this weekend against the Penguins and Flyers, so both Clemmensen and Tomas Vokoun likely will see time in net.

Clemmensen wasn't perfect on Friday, but he got the win -- one his team desperately needed.

``I wanted to get off on the right foot so badly, sometimes that can be counterproductive,'' Clemmensen said. ``As the game went on, I feel like I got better and better.''

Clemmensen has stressed that he is trying to prove his successful 2008-09 season was no fluke. After starting last season in the minors, Clemmensen was recalled by the Devils when Martin Brodeur was injured.

Initially it was thought Clemmensen would back up Kevin Weekes until Brodeur returned, but Clemmensen took the job and never looked back, winning 25 games and helping the Devils get into playoff position. When Brodeur returned, Clemmensen was sent back to the minors.

Before Friday's game in Sunrise, Clemmensen's last NHL start came in February. Clemmensen signed a three-year deal with the Panthers on July 1, the first multiyear contract he ever received. FUN ON THE FARM

The Rochester (N.Y.) Americans have a storied history in the American Hockey League, although past glories didn't help the Panthers' minor-league affiliate the past few seasons as wins were in short supply.

It appears the Amerks are back. Rochester has won four of its first six games and is on a three-game winning streak.

When the Panthers sent center Shawn Matthias to Rochester last season at the end of training camp, Matthias wasn't happy, and his play reflected it. Matthias has shown a different attitude this season, taking his demotion by the Panthers in stride.

``I'm not disappointed at all to be here,'' Matthias told The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. ``This is a place to work on my game. There are good veterans here, and I'm not going to be upset playing in the American League.''

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