The Florida Panthers have been playing pretty well this season. They clinched a playoff berth just a few days ago after defeating the Nashville Predators in a 7-4 victory.
They also provided a strong performance on the ice Thursday as they defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in a 4-3 overtime win, along with the help of Sam Bennett.
Analysis of the Panthers’ Big OT Win
After Alex DeBrincat scored with just 18 seconds left in the final period of the game, he helped tie the game up for the Blackhawks. This goal gave him his 24th of the season.
After being forced into an overtime match, the Panthers knew they needed to play strong and hard. That’s exactly what they did.
Thanks to a solid performance, the Panthers were able to get an opportunity to score thanks to Bennet’s game-winning goal.
Bennett was the star of the game, especially in overtime. He’s a new guy on the roster, who orginally played for the Calgary Flames. However, after making little results for the team, he was ultimately traded April 12 to the Panthers.
Bennett hasn’t disappointed his new team. In addition to his overtime goal, Bennett has five goals and a total of 11 points with the Panthers. Interestingly enough, he’s only played eight games but he is making some excellent productivity.
This Win Offers Big Opportunities for the Panthers
For the Florida Panthers, this win will provide them with some huge opportunities as they approach the upcoming playoffs.
To start off, this win keeps the Panthers in a tight race with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning in the Central Division. If the Panthers can keep winning, they may have a good opportunity to rank first in the Central Division.
Right now, the Panthers have a one-point lead over the Lightning and are behind the Canes by two points. So, every win will really be even more meaningful to the Panthers.
In addition, the Panthers will be going to the playoffs very soon, so it’s crucial that they demonstrate a consistent performance every single game. If the Panthers can continue to play strong, they will be in a good position during the playoffs.
They need all the momentum they can get, becuase they will certainly face many tough teams in the post-season. The team’s goal is to make a push to win the Stanley Cup Trophy. A strong playing style will definitely be needed.
Coming Up for the Panthers
While the Panthers may be enjoying their sweet victory, they will need to get right back to work Saturday night in a rematch against the Blackhawks. This loss has probably made the Blackhawks hungry for revenge. That’s exactly what they will be looking for, so the Panthers know they have to bring a tough battle to the game once again.
The Panthers’ schedule doesn’t get easier, as they will take on the Dallas Stars May 3 and then cap off the season with a two-game homestand against the Lightning May 8 and May 10.
For the Blackhawks, once they complete their rematch against the Panthers Saturday night, they will face off against the Hurricanes in a three-game series. To finish off their season, they will take on the Dallas Stars in a two-game homestand May 9 and May 10.
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