Puck Prose
Fansided

Verhaeghe, Florida Panthers Down Vegas Golden Knights 3-2 in Overtime

By Richard Jelinek

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: Carter Verhaeghe #23 of the Florida Panthers is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the game-winning goal to give the team a 3-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first overtime period in Game Three of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final at FLA Live Arena on June 08, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 08: Carter Verhaeghe #23 of the Florida Panthers is congratulated by his teammates after scoring the game-winning goal to give the team a 3-2 win against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first overtime period in Game Three of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final at FLA Live Arena on June 08, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe scored in overtime of game 3 and the Panthers downed the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. The win gives the Panthers life and are now down in the series 2-1 with game 4  on Saturday night at the FLA Live Arena. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovksy made 25 saves in the win for Florida, who is now 7-0 in overtime games in these playoffs.

Panthers ruin sweep possibility, win game 3

Tkachuk continues Conn Smythe play

Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk played a well rounded game 3. He did two important things that led to the Florida win. He contributed offensively with two points on one goal and one assist. More importantly, he stayed out of the penalty box. Tkachuk can still play the physical game with chirps included  but be smart about it. This is what he did in last night’s game. If Tkachuk plays the way he did in last night’s game, this could carry the Panthers to a few more wins in this series. Tkachuk is a big part of this Florida team and they go as far as he takes them.

Florida has to clean things up

The Panthers did win the game, which is most important. However, they could have easily lost the game based on one stat. The Panthers had 24 giveaways in game 3, compared to seven for the Golden Knights. A win in overtime can erase that stat but this could have easily been another Vegas win. The Florida Panthers have to limit the mistakes and turnovers against a veteran and determined Vegas Golden Knights team.   The Panthers won this game but may not be so fortunate if they turn the puck over in the games ahead.

Florida a different cat at home

The Panthers came into game 3 in a difficult situation, needing a win at home to make this a series again.  They were a different team playing in front of the home crowd. Aside from the turnovers, Florida played their game. They played a faster game, attention to detail was better, stayed out of the box, fed off of the crowd, and came out with a much needed win. If this is anything like game 4 will be, the Panthers are in good hands with the possibility to tie up this series at 2. The home crowd did make a difference in this game, as the Florida Panthers looked like a different team when having that extra edge.

Home/Florida Panthers