Panthers Edge Bruins 3-2, Take Commanding Lead in Series

In a critical game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round, the Florida Panthers rallied to defeat the Boston Bruins 3-2 at TD Garden, gaining a 3-1 lead in the series. Key third-period goals from Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov secured the victory for the Panthers, positioning them one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.

David Pastrnak and Brandon Carlo propelled Boston to an early 2-0 lead with goals at 8:53 and 15:12 of the first period, respectively. The Panthers, remained composed under pressure. Anton Lundell initiated the comeback late in the second period with a swift one-timer from the left circle, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

The third period saw the Panthers turn the tide completely. Bennett equalized the score at 2-2, capitalizing on a power play opportunity just 3:41 into the period. This goal was surrounded by controversy as the Bruins challenged for goaltender interference, but the call was upheld after video review. The NHL later upheld the call as officials stated “Video review supported the Referees’ call on the ice that that the shove by Florida’s Sam Bennett on Charlie Coyle and the subsequent contact with Jeremy Swayman did not prevent Swayman from playing his position in the crease prior to Bennett’s goal.”

Barkov then completed the comeback with a stunning solo effort at 7:31, driving the puck past Bruins’ goaltender Jeremy Swayman to give Florida a 3-2 lead. Despite Boston’s efforts, Florida’s goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was formidable between the pipes, making crucial saves throughout the game, ending with 16 stops. On the other end, Swayman faced a barrage of shots, making an impressive 38 saves, but it wasn’t enough to stave off the Panthers’ offensive onslaught.

The loss leaves Boston on the brink of elimination, with the series heading back to Sunrise for Game five. The Panthers have been dominant, outshooting the Bruins 107-50 over the last three games and throughout four games have proven that they are the better team. As both teams prepare for the next face-off, the Bruins will need to find an answer to Florida’s aggressive play if they hope to extend their postseason journey. The Panthers meanwhile, are hoping they can close out the Bruins in five games on their homecourt.

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