The Panthers have stood firm. Instead of chasing the Lightning, they wait for them to get close, then sucker punch them in the jaw. It sounds dramatic, but it's Stanley Cup Playoff hockey.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning are on the verge of losing their fourth straight playoff series. Nikita Kucherov’s performance — specifically his inability to score goals ...

The fact that the Panthers, having lost to the Lightning in back-to-back postseasons in 2021 and 2022, started to change and become more like Tampa Bay wasn’t necessarily a surprise.

The Lightning were winning 2-1 at the time of the incident, but the Panthers roared back for a 4-2 win, taking a 3-1 series lead. Mikkola is lucky to not have a hearing for a possible like Ekblad.

The Panthers hold the edge entering Game 4, but the Lightning are more desperate. If Tampa loses, the Panthers will take a 3-1 series lead, pushing them to the brink of elimination.