In a thrilling overtime match, the Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers 3-2, tying the Eastern Conference final series at 2-2. The game-winning goal came from Sam Reinhart on a power play at 1:12 of overtime.
The Rangers had their goalie, Igor Shesterkin, to thank for even reaching overtime, as he made an impressive 36 saves throughout the game. However, a penalty committed by Blake Wheeler on Aleksander Barkov led to the Panthers’ power play opportunity, and they capitalized on it immediately. Barkov passed the puck to Reinhart, who fired a shot into the top corner of the net, securing the victory for Florida.
The Rangers managed to equalize the game in the third period when the Panthers’ fourth line was caught on the ice after a long defensive shift and an icing call. Adam Fox made a slick spin move and sent a backhand towards the net, which Alexis Lafrenière deflected behind Sergei Bobrovsky. This goal reset the game after a dominant second period from the Panthers.
During that second period, the Panthers had a strong push that the Rangers struggled to counter. Sam Bennett tied the game shortly after a Panthers power play expired, scoring off his own rebound. Carter Verhaeghe then gave the Panthers the lead on their next power play by swatting a floating puck past Shesterkin.
This reversal of fortunes was unexpected after a solid first period from the Rangers, during which they scored their first power-play goal of the series courtesy of Vincent Trocheck. However, the Panthers’ power play came to life in Game 4, converting twice and scoring a third goal just seconds after a power play ended. Florida’s power play is now 5-for-15 in the series, while the Rangers are 1-for-11.
A notable performance came from Rangers defenseman Adam Fox, who had been quiet offensively in previous playoff games but had a strong showing in Game 4. He provided assists on the first two Rangers goals and displayed his trademark spin move, setting up Lafrenière’s game-tying goal.
The Rangers had a strong start in the first period but faltered in the second, unable to contain the Panthers’ offensive pressure. The Panthers regained control of the game, particularly below the hash marks, and capitalized on their power-play opportunities.
After struggling in the first three games, the Rangers’ power play came alive in the first period of Game 4, with Trocheck scoring a well-placed one-timer. The Rangers had several chances to extend their lead but were denied by Bobrovsky and unlucky shots hitting the crossbar.
In terms of lineup changes, Blake Wheeler made his return for the Rangers after suffering a leg injury in February. Wheeler’s presence was notable, especially considering Filip Chytil was a healthy scratch as the Rangers monitored his conditioning and game-readiness.
Lastly, there was an amusing incident involving Matthew Tkachuk’s mouthguard. During a third-period scrum, Tkachuk’s mouthguard ended up in the lap of a fan after Chris Kreider tossed it into the stands following an exchange between the two players.
Overall, Game 4 was an exciting and tightly contested battle between the Panthers and the Rangers. The series is now evenly poised at 2-2, setting up a thrilling conclusion as both teams fight for a spot in the Eastern Conference final.