Lightning Secure Crucial Game 3 Win Against Panthers

In Sunrise, Florida, Andrei Vasilevskiy delivered a stellar 33-save performance as the Tampa Bay Lightning fought back to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-1 on Saturday, reducing their deficit to 2-1 in the first-round playoff series.

Tampa Bay`s offense found its rhythm, with goals contributed by Jake Guentzel, Brayden Point, Nick Paul, and Luke Glendening. Anthony Cirelli added an empty-net goal in the final five minutes to seal the victory. Nikita Kucherov was a key playmaker, tallying three assists, including setting up Guentzel`s goal.

Nick Paul gave the Lightning their first lead of the series in the second period, slipping a shot just past the pad of Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Jake Guentzel then extended the lead to two goals just 21 seconds into the third period, setting the stage for the Lightning to widen the margin later on.

The lone goal for the Panthers came from Matthew Tkachuk, his third of the series. Sergei Bobrovsky finished the game with 17 saves.

Vasilevskiy was crucial for Tampa Bay, bouncing back impressively after allowing seven goals over the first two contests. He withstood significant pressure from Florida throughout the second and third periods.

Tkachuk opened the scoring just 2:43 into the game, tapping in a feed from Sam Bennett for his 20th career playoff goal with the Panthers. The Lightning quickly responded later in the first period when Jake Guentzel`s shot deflected off Brayden Point and got past Bobrovsky, marking the first goal in nearly five periods for the NHL`s highest-scoring team during the regular season.

Tampa Bay was without forward Brandon Hagel, who served a suspension for a hit on Florida captain Aleksander Barkov in the previous game. Barkov was back in the lineup on Saturday, as was Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, returning from a 20-game suspension unrelated to the game.

Looking ahead, the Lightning will aim to even the series in Game 4 on Monday in Sunrise. The Panthers historically have a strong record (5-0) after taking a 2-0 lead in a playoff series.