Verhaeghe scores in OT, Panthers defeat Lightning in Sport 2 – NHL.com

Bobrovsky makes highlight-reel save for Florida, which extends lead in Jap 1st Spherical
R1, Gm2: Lightning @ Panthers Recap
SUNRISE, Fla. — Carter Verhaeghe scored 2:59 into additional time, and the Florida Panthers prolonged their sequence lead with a 3-2 win in opposition to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Sport 2 of the Jap Convention First Spherical at Amerant Financial institution Area on Tuesday.
Verhaeghe took a go from Anton Lundell within the low slot and roofed a backhand from alongside the aim line on the proper aspect.
Sport 3 of the best-of-7 sequence might be in Tampa Bay on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; MAX, TBS, BSFLX, BSSUN, BSFL, TVAS2, SN).
Florida’s all-time chief with 17 Stanley Cup Playoff objectives, Verhaeghe has scored 5 in additional time, which is tied for third in NHL historical past. Solely Joe Sakic (eight) and Maurice Richard (six) have extra.
“These are some fairly good gamers,” Verhaeghe mentioned. “Anytime we go to OT, we’re fairly assured. We all know it will probably go both means, however on the finish of the day, it’s one shot and somebody has to make a play ultimately. Being within the dialog with these guys is loopy.”
TBL@FLA R1, Gm2: Verhaeghe thrusts it into the twine for OT winner
Sam Bennett had a aim and an help, Verhaeghe additionally had an help, and Vladimir Tarasenko scored for Florida, the No. 1 seed from the Atlantic Division. Sergei Bobrovsky made 21 saves, together with a spectacular second-period cease on Matt Dumba that stored the sport tied.
“When you perceive what your sport is meant to seem like, you will have one thing to carry on to,” mentioned Panthers coach Paul Maurice, whose workforce has received 11 consecutive additional time playoff video games relationship to 2021.
“That is the fashion that we’re alleged to play. We have now plenty of guys who’ve scored additional time objectives. Carter Verhaeghe ought to assume he can rating an additional time aim as a result of it has occurred earlier than. Matthew [Tkachuk] as nicely. We have now guys who’ve latest constructive experiences, in order that they’re enthusiastic about additional time.”
Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos scored, and Victor Hedman had two assists for Tampa Bay, the primary wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Jap Convention. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 34 saves.
The Lightning have misplaced 11 of their previous 12 playoff additional time video games relationship to 2021.
“Sadly for us, we’re discovering ourselves behind,” mentioned Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper, whose workforce has not led within the sequence. “It’s a robust league to come back again in, particularly within the playoffs.”
TBL@FLA R1, Gm2: Stamkos kilos in a PPG from the circle
Bennett put Florida up 1-0 at 6:16 of the primary interval when he adopted up a rebound of Tkachuk’s shot with a backhand from the left hash marks.
Tarasenko prolonged the result in 2-0 with a power-play aim at 15:12. After Vasilevskiy stopped Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s shot from the purpose, Bennett obtained to the rebound in entrance and fed Tarasenko under the proper face-off circle for a one-timer.
Level lower it to 2-1 at 48 seconds of the second interval. Anthony Duclair’s shot from the proper level went in off Level’s leg whereas the ahead was whereas tied up with Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad in entrance.
Stamkos tied it 2-2 on an influence play at 5:46 with a one-timer from the left circle.
“Each goalies made some wonderful saves,” mentioned Stamkos, the Lightning’s captain. “This sport in all probability might have ended loads earlier. We pushed and pushed, and possibly we sat again on the finish and performed a bit of too tentative. … We’re down 2-0 and now must go residence to win some video games.”
TBL@FLA R1, Gm2: Bobrovsky makes an excellent save on Dumba’s blast
Bobrovsky stored the sport tied along with his highlight-reel save at 14:03. He obtained over from the proper submit and, along with his again to the play, made a diving save on Dumba with the again of his arm from shut vary.
“My vantage level was the bench, and I used to be in shock,” Ekblad mentioned. “It was unimaginable. You like to see it.”
Bobrovsky chalked his save as much as desperation.
“I threw as a lot of my physique as potential,” Bobrovsky mentioned. “I used to be capable of make the save. It’s a giant win, we’ve got an incredible group of fellows and it’s a decent group. That is good for us.”
NOTES: Bennett left the sport early within the second interval after getting hit within the hand with a shot. There was no replace. … Tarasenko scored his forty fifth playoff aim in his 99th sport. The one lively gamers with as many objectives earlier than their one centesimal playoff sport are Alex Ovechkin (48) and Nathan MacKinnon (45). … Patrick Kane, Corey Perry and Glenn Anderson are tied with Verhaeghe with 5 additional time playoff objectives.
🔹 Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
🔹 Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
🔹 New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals
🔹 Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders
🔹 Dallas Stars vs. Vegas Golden Knights
🔹 Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche
🔹 Vancouver Canucks vs. Nashville Predators
🔹 Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings

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