Florida Panthers Poised for Redemption Against Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers are gearing up to bounce back after their first playoff loss as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in a crucial rematch at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday.

After securing two victories on the road in the Eastern Conference First Round with an aggregate score of 8-2, the Panthers stumbled with a 5-1 defeat in Game 3 on their home turf. Despite this setback, Florida maintains a 2-1 series lead and is determined to reclaim momentum in Game 4.

“Getting back to playing our brand of hockey is key,” said forward Anton Lundell. “Both teams are strong and we know what to expect on the ice. Every goal and play must be earned.”

Matthew Tkachuk, returning hot after missing 25 regular-season games due to a lower-body injury, delivered his third goal of the series just 2:43 into Game 3. However, the Lightning soon took control, netting the next five goals.

Despite the final scoreline, the statistics suggest there’s no need to panic. At 5-on-5 play, Florida led in shot attempts and scoring chances, with a 50-30 and 24-14 advantage, respectively. Yet, they faced a formidable challenge in Andrei Vasilevskiy, who denied 14 high-danger shots for Tampa Bay.

With Aaron Ekblad back in the lineup, his return from a 20-game suspension marks the first time Florida has its full team complement available. Game 3 is seen as a step toward building better synergy within this talented group.

“We’ve been constructing something special all year,” forward Carter Verhaeghe shared. “Having our complete squad is fantastic. Ekblad’s return is a significant lift for us. We’re taking it one game at a time.”

So far, Sam Bennett has secured at least a point in every game of the series alongside Tkachuk, both leading the team with four points each. Nate Schmidt, Sam Reinhart, and Aleksander Barkov closely follow with three points each.

On special teams, the Panthers are excelling, converting 30% of their power plays and achieving a remarkable 92.3% on penalty kills.

For Game 4, A.J. Greer will replace rookie Mackie Samoskevich on the fourth line. Greer, who is making his playoff debut, had a standout season with 17 points and a career-high 130 penalty minutes in 81 games.

“I’m really thrilled to join this effort and play in front of my home crowd,” Greer exclaimed. “I’ll inject the same energy that defined my regular-season performance—high tempo, physical, and accountable hockey.”

The Lightning’s formidable pair, Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov, have been pivotal, both recording four points over the series. Kucherov and Guentzel were particularly impactful in Game 3, contributing a goal and multiple assists between them.

Suspended for Game 3 following a dangerous hit in Game 2, Brandon Hagel will return for the Lightning. Known for his scoring prowess, Hagel was notably placed fifth in even-strength goals during the regular season.

As the Panthers defend their home rink, they’re optimistic about regrouping for Game 4.

“Staying level-headed throughout the series is crucial,” Verhaeghe noted. “We’ve experienced this before, both the highs and the lows. Our veteran team knows how to handle these challenges.”

Quotable Moments

“He’s just himself. A great player who is physical, fast, and strong on the puck. Excited to see him in action.” – Anton Lundell on A.J. Greer entering the lineup

“There’s been a noticeable build-up of momentum. It’s important to manage the nerves in the arena while making an impact across all three zones.” – A.J. Greer on his expected contributions

“I’m a big fan of that young man.”