Panthers Storm Back to Take Series Lead
The Florida Panthers have taken a 3-1 series lead in the first-round playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning, thanks to a thrilling comeback on Monday night.
Fastest Goals in History
Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones scored third-period goals 11 seconds apart, marking the fastest goals by defensemen from the same team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Ekblad tied the game with 3:47 remaining, sending the crowd at Amerant Bank Arena into a roar. Jones found the back of the net shortly after to go ahead and erase a two-goal deficit.
Turning Point
The Panthers had managed just three shots on goal in the third before Ekblad’s tying goal, which was initially overturned due to offside before he scored again. Anton Lundell also scored, and Carter Verhaeghe added an empty-netter to secure the win. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 18 shots to help the Panthers take the lead in the series.
Physical Play
The game was marked by physical play, with Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel leaving in the second period after taking a high hit from Ekblad. Hagel did not return and was back from a one-game suspension after his late hit knocked Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov out of Game 2.
Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
SUNRISE, FL – APRIL 28: Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates his goal in the third period during the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Looking Ahead
Florida will now have a chance to clinch the series Wednesday night in Tampa. "From Game 1 you could feel the hatred in the locker room," Jones said. "You could feel the hatred on the ice. But it’s most importantly about winning. The job’s not finished. We’ve got to go to Tampa and have a good game."
Controversy
The series has been marked by controversy, with a somewhat controversial hit in three straight games. After Hagel’s hit in Game 2, Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk landed a late hit on Jake Guentzel in Game 3 and was assessed a five-minute major, though he was not suspended.
SUNRISE, FLORIDA – APRIL 28: Anton Lundell #15 of the Florida Panthers celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on April 28, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Conclusion
The Panthers’ comeback win has given them a significant lead in the series, and they will look to clinch it on Wednesday night. The physical play and controversy surrounding the series will likely continue, but the Panthers are focused on winning.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the fastest goals in Stanley Cup Playoffs history?
A: Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones scored third-period goals 11 seconds apart, marking the fastest goals by defensemen from the same team in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Florida Panthers won 4-2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Q: Who will the Panthers face next?
A: The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Lightning again on Wednesday night in an attempt to clinch the series.
