In a thrilling display of goaltending prowess and overtime heroics, the Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in Game 2 of their NHL first-round playoff series. Carter Verhaeghe etched his name into NHL history, becoming the sixth player to reach five career playoff overtime game-winning goals. His backhander just under the crossbar 2:59 into overtime lifted the Panthers to a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall for Florida, making 21 saves and showcasing his athleticism with a remarkable no-look diving save in the second period. Sam Bennett and Vladimir Tarasenko provided the offensive support for the Panthers, scoring in the opening period.
The Lightning, despite their Stanley Cup pedigree, found themselves trailing 2-0 after the first period. Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos responded with goals in the second, tying the game before Verhaeghe’s heroics.
Game 3 of the series shifts to Tampa on Thursday, with the Lightning facing the daunting task of protecting home ice and avoiding a 3-0 deficit.
