Kucherov’s brilliance, the top scorer in the playoffs for the past two years, has allowed the Lightning to lead 3-0 in this series. Tampa Bay troops could finish Monday night at home.

The Panthers, holders of the NHL’s best season record, were eliminated by the Lightning in six first-round games in 2021. They have only scored three goals in three games in the current series against rivals Florida. .

Eric Cernak scored the eventual winner in the third minute of the second period. Steven Stamkos scored twice, while Corey Perry added a net for two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Lightning.

Andrei Vasilevskiy was again effective in front of his net and stopped 34 pucks for Jon Cooper’s staff.

Sam Reinhart ended a pointless 25 powerplay drought for the Panthers since the playoffs began, one of the extraordinary moments of the visitors ’celebration.

Sergei Bobrovsky gave up 3 times on 34 shots in front of the Panthers goal.

More details to come.