The Florida Panthers are taking a commanding 3-0 lead over the Boston Bruins into the third period of Game 3 after capitalizing twice on the power play.
With Florida leading a 1-0 lead 6:23 into the second period, Boston's Mason Lohrei committed a double minor, high-sticking Steven Lorentz at 14:37. On the man advantage, Vladimir Tarasenko scored at 16:14 to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
Vladimir Tarasenko goes top shelf on the power play! ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/CUAytMc76R
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 11, 2024
Importantly, Tarasenko notched the tally before the end of the first minor penalty, meaning Florida remained on the power play. That fact would prove valuable as a minute later, Carter Verhaeghe would increase the lead to three.
Carter Verhaeghe makes it 3-0 Florida with another Panther power play marker! pic.twitter.com/htnwxqotKl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 11, 2024
The Bruins managed only three shots in the first period and didn't register their fourth until 6:45 into the second period. Beyond a few strong shifts, they didn't produce much offensive pressure and were outshot by the Panthers 24-8 heading into the intermission.
Furthermore, things could be much worse for the home team. Before the Panthers' two power-play goals, Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman spoiled a two-on-one, robbing Evan Rodrigues with an incredible glove save.
Swayman flashes the leather pic.twitter.com/SvoupWalKq
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 11, 2024
The Panthers have carried the pace of play through two periods and taken advantage of the Bruins' mistakes. Even worse for Boston, shoddy choices and undisciplined penalties have halted any attempts to tilt the ice. It's hard to see that changing over the final 20 minutes.
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