Panthers rally, top Golden Knights 3-2 in OT of Game 3 of Stanley Cup final

42

In a thrilling display of resilience, the Florida Panthers once again proved their ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. They accomplished something unprecedented in their franchise history by securing a victory in the Stanley Cup Final.

The decisive moment arrived in overtime as Carter Verhaeghe unleashed a powerful wrist shot from the slot, finding the top corner of the net just 4 minutes and 27 seconds into the extra period. The Panthers rallied magnificently to triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights, edging them out with a final score of 3-2 on Thursday night in Game 3. Although Vegas still holds a 2-1 lead in the series, Florida has rekindled hope and shown that overtime is indeed their preferred domain.

An astonishing record of 7-0 in overtime during the playoffs speaks volumes about the Panthers’ determination and ability to seize crucial moments. In fact, they have won more games in extra sessions than they have in regular regulation play.

Verhaeghe, exuding pride, stated, “We’re the Cats. We may have nine lives, but it’s truly incredible. It demonstrates the greatness of our team, and the guys on our roster possess an unwavering spirit.”

With just 2 minutes and 13 seconds remaining in the third period, Matthew Tkachuk netted the equalizer for the Panthers. This goal not only leveled the score but also marked the franchise’s first-ever win in a Stanley Cup Final game after seven unsuccessful attempts. As the game entered overtime, Florida managed to fend off a power play from the Golden Knights, and Verhaeghe capitalized on the opportunity, with Tkachuk providing valuable traffic in front of the net.

Reflecting on his winning goal, Verhaeghe expressed his joy, saying, “I had a bit of time to walk in and take the shot. I’m incredibly happy it found the back of the net.”

The upcoming Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday night.

Sergei Bobrovsky exhibited a stellar performance, making 25 saves for Florida, while Adin Hill, despite his 20 saves for Vegas, succumbed to the only shot he faced in overtime.

Brandon Montour also made a significant contribution to the Panthers’ victory with his goal. Trailing by one late in the third period, Florida pulled Bobrovsky in favor of an extra attacker. Tkachuk, who had temporarily left the ice due to a heavy hit earlier in the game, proved this strategy worthwhile by scoring the tying goal.

Tkachuk’s goal injected new life into the arena, which had been filled with nervous anticipation. However, the Panthers felt aggrieved as Gustav Forsling was penalized for tripping with just 11.2 seconds remaining. Surviving this late scare, Florida managed to regain momentum in the series a few minutes later.

Although the odds remain stacked against them, the Panthers now possess a glimmer of statistical hope. Out of the previous 55 teams that trailed 2-1 at this stage of the Stanley Cup Final, 11 teams defied the odds and went on to lift the coveted trophy.

Undoubtedly, the Panthers’ journey is filled with improbabilities. As the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, they overcame a 3-1 deficit against Boston in Round 1. They came within minutes of falling behind 3-0 in this series but have now discovered numerous reasons to be optimistic.

Vegas managed to find the back of the net through power-play goals from Jonathan Marchessault and Mark Stone. Marchessault’s remarkable tally extended his impressive scoring streak to 13 goals in as many playoff games, including four in this series alone and three with the man advantage.

Additionally, Vegas etched their name in history by becoming only the second team, alongside the 1980 New York Islanders, to score at least two power-play goals in three consecutive games during the Cup Final. Marchessault’s achievement of scoring in each of the first three games of a championship series places him in esteemed company alongside Steve Yzerman in 1997 and Jake Guentzel in 2017.

Nonetheless, despite their commendable efforts, Vegas fell short of securing a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Around the arena, memories of Florida’s last home game in the Stanley Cup Final on June 10, 1996, lingered. On that occasion, Uwe Krupp’s goal in the third overtime sealed a 1-0 victory for the Colorado Avalanche, securing a four-game sweep over the Panthers. The presence of notable figures such as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, NBA legend Charles Barkley, and former Dolphins star Dan Marino, who served as the celebrity drummer to welcome the Panthers onto the ice, added an extra layer of excitement to the atmosphere.

---

AP NHL Playoffs: [link to be updated]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stanley Cup Final

More about Stanley Cup Final

• NHL Official Website: Stanley Cup Final
• Florida Panthers Official Website: Team News and Updates
• Vegas Golden Knights Official Website: Team News and Updates
• ESPN: NHL Playoffs Coverage