Panthers One Win Away From Eliminating Lightning

Bobrovsky, Tkachuk Lead Florida to 3-0 Series Lead

Game Summary

Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves and Matthew Tkachuk scored twice as the Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3 on Thursday night to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Carter Verhaeghe gave the Panthers the lead just 58 seconds into the third period when he tapped in a pinpoint pass from Aleksander Barkov. Tkachuk added a goal and an assist in the third period to help Florida pull away.

The Lightning got goals from Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point, and Pat Maroon, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Panthers' offensive firepower.

The Panthers are now one win away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Saturday night in Tampa Bay.