Game Recap
The Florida Panthers have taken a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning the second game 2-0.
Nate Schmidt scored his third goal in two games, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 19 shots, and the Panthers secured the victory. Sam Bennett added an empty-netter with 4 seconds left to seal the win. Bobrovsky got his fourth career playoff shutout, and his first since Game 1 of last year’s Stanley Cup final against Edmonton.
Goal Breakdown
Schmidt, who scored twice in Game 1, got the Panthers on the scoreboard 4:15 into the game following an icing call against Tampa Bay. Aleksander Barkov won the faceoff clean back to Sam Reinhart, who passed it over to Schmidt for a one-timer from the right circle that beat Vasilevskiy. The goal came after Tampa Bay misfired on two open looks when Jake Guentzel was alone at the post and missed the net 53 seconds in, then Brayden Point was open between the hashmarks and put a backhand chance wide at 1:52.
Special Teams
The Lightning, who finished fifth in the league on the power play in the regular season, went 0 for 5 and were held to just two shots on goal on the advantages. Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 21 saves for Tampa Bay.
Injury Update
Barkov left the game midway through the third period after a hit from Brandon Hagel, who received a five-minute major for interference on the play at 9:51. Barkov did not return.
Next Game
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series will be Saturday at Sunrise.
Conclusion
The Panthers’ 2-0 lead in the series puts them in a strong position moving forward. With Schmidt’s consistent goal-scoring and Bobrovsky’s solid goaltending, the team looks to continue their winning streak. The Lightning will need to regroup and adjust their strategy to get back in the series.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the goals for the Panthers in Game 2?
A: Nate Schmidt and Sam Bennett scored the goals for the Panthers in Game 2.
Q: What is the current state of the series?
A: The Florida Panthers lead the series 2-0.
Q: When is the next game in the series?
A: Game 3 of the best-of-seven series will be Saturday at Sunrise.
Q: Who got injured during the game?
A: Aleksander Barkov left the game midway through the third period after a hit from Brandon Hagel.
