Panthers Rally from 3-0 Deficit in Potential Stanley Cup Preview
On Tuesday, the Florida Panthers staged an impressive comeback against the Dallas Stars, overcoming a 3-0 deficit in what could be considered a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Panthers secured a 4-3 victory, further bolstering their claim as the NHL’s top team.
Florida’s rally commenced with a power play goal scored by forward Sam Reinhart, with 7:08 remaining in the second period.
This pivotal goal was assisted by center Aleksander Barkov and forward Matthew Tkachuk.
Panthers Strike Twice: Power Play Goals Shift Momentum
The Panthers, leading the Eastern Conference with a record of 45-17-4, notched their second goal during a power play with 8:51 remaining in the regulation period.
Center Carter Cerhaeghe delivered a forceful shot towards the net, deftly redirected by center Aleksander Barkov.
Within three minutes, forward Matthew Tkachuk, recording his 53rd assist of the season, launched a shot from the blue line following a faceoff win by Panthers.
Forward Sam Bennett ensured the puck found its way past goalie Jake Oettinger.
Barkov’s Quick Strike Puts Panthers Ahead
Panthers swiftly capitalized on their momentum, seizing the lead just 38 seconds later as Barkov capitalized on another power play opportunity with a wrist-shot goal, marking his 18th goal of the season.
Despite Dallas’ (40-18-9, second in the Western Conference) opportunities on the power play, they only managed to score one goal out of five chances, while Florida converted three out of their four power play attempts.
The Panthers (+650) are favored to win the Stanley Cup this year. They currently hold a three-point lead over the Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings and boast an NHL-leading plus-65 goal differential.
During the previous season, Florida advanced to the finals but suffered defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights in a five-game series.
Should the Panthers secure the President’s Trophy for the best overall regular-season record, an achievement they moved closer to on Tuesday, they will endeavor to emulate the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks as the last team to clinch both the President’s Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season.
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