The Panthers battled back to overcome a two-goal deficit and force the Toronto Maple Leafs into OT, where the Cats won in thrilling fashion when Marchy dished out a beauty pass for a Montour tap in on an odd-man break.
The goal was Montour’s first overtime goal of his career and pushed Florida’s winning streak to 13 games, setting yet another franchise record. Not only that, Montour’s goal marked Florida’s 13th OT goal of the season, good for most OT goals in one season in NHL history.
We are watching unbelievable things happen this year.
Last night had that exciting atmosphere we expecting to see. With the Leafs being embarrassed the game before by the Lightning, they came out strong and forced the Panthers on their heels for a good portion of the first and second periods. Jack Campbell was a big factor for Toronto, making many stellar saves to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard.
But true to their “Comeback Cats” moniker, Florida chipped away and got back into the game - ultimately winning.
There was a play in OT by Barky that I really think led to Florida’s win. It was actually an incredible play given the circumstances of Barky having been on the ice for about 1:30-plus already and looking pretty gassed. Despite this, he managed to chase down a Leafs player who had a clear lane (and high-danger goal opportunity) to lift his stick and take the puck away. Clutch play and awesome effort by the back-checking Barky.
Plays like this make Giroux’s quote that much more real:
“
We go into games with a lot of confidence. I feel after each win we say to each other that we know we can play better. Everything’s going great right now. We’re getting some bounces, guys are making plays and we’re having fun. We’ve just got to keep going.”
And keep going they will because the Tampa Bay Lightning are in town tonight. This is a huge game for the Panthers because not only is it the second of back-to-backs, it’s against the hated in-state rival who have been heating up as of late.
In their last two games, Tampa has notched 13 goals. Eight against Toronto and six against Nashville.
The 48-22-8 Lightning are five points behind the second place Toronto Maple Leafs in the Atlantic Division (with our guys holding the #1 spot with 120 points). But it looks like TBL is getting hot at the right time.
Per
Tampa’s site:
“
The Bolts tied two franchise records with the win on Saturday, with 14 goals tying the record for most goals in a two-game span and 24 goals matching the record for most goals in a four-game span.
There were impressive performances up and down the lineup. Steven Stamkos recorded a three-point game, as did Nikita Kucherov.
Victor Hedman had another multi-point game with two points of his own.
Brayden Point recorded an assist for his 200th career helper with the Bolts, tying him with Tyler Johnson for the 10th-most helpers in team history.
Anthony Cirelli scored a goal, along with Pat Maroon, who was celebrating his 34th birthday.
Nick Paul recorded an assist for his 11th point in 17 games since joining the Lightning.
Ross Colton lit the lamp once again for Tampa Bay, his 18th goal since the start of 2022. Only Kucherov and Stamkos have found the back of the net more than Colton since January 1.
Brian Elliott got the start between the pipes and made 19 saves on 21 shots to continue his strong year as Andrei Vasilevskiy's backup.”
Adding…
“
The Lightning's captain is currently riding one of the hottest stretches of his entire career.
Stamkos has been on fire for the Bolts as of late, recording at least one point in 14 of his last 16 contests with nine multi-point games and 27 total points (8G, 19A) during that span. Stamkos is up to 93 points in 77 games this season, scoring 35 goals and adding 58 assists. He's just one assist shy of tying his career high of 59 and only five points away from matching his career-best 98 points that he recorded during the 2018-19 season.
Stamkos has recorded three consecutive three-point games, an achievement that only Kucherov has accomplished in Lightning history. He has also put up five consecutive multi-point games, a streak that has been bested by only two players in Bolts history. Vincent Lecavalier had a run of eight straight multi-point games during the 2007-08 season and Kucherov pulled off a seven-game streak during the 2018-19 season.
With 13 points (3G, 10A) over his last five games, Stamkos has matched his career high for points over a five-game span. He also recorded 13 points (2G, 11A) in five games during the 2017-18 season.
It's been an incredible year for Stamkos, who has crossed over the 90-point mark for the fifth time in his career. Stamkos came into the NHL labeled as a pure goal-scorer. He has certainly proven that he possesses that talent over his career in Tampa Bay. But he has also added a playmaking ability to his game that has just gotten better and better as his career has rolled on.”
Not to mention that Kuch has been tearing it up for TBL as usual and so has Hedman. The latter actually just became the second defenseman in Lightning history to score 20 goals in a single season.
Florida will look to neutralize Stamkos, Kuch and Hedman. But the Lightning have an impressive supporting cast and two good goalies in the blue paint. Keep an eye on Hagel. The ex-Hawk brings an up-tempo game with skill and has an incredible motor of him - he never stops moving his feet.
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I’m expecting (hoping) to see the “Battle of Florida” atmosphere tonight akin to what we saw last season in the first round.
It will be interesting because both teams are coming off wins yesterday and could have some sluggish legs. But the fact that both are dialed in, and the rivalry is has only grown, I’m expecting a really entertaining game.
Get some cold ones ready to enjoy. This is going to be a good one…Go Panthers!
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