Panthers Score 2 Goals in 11 Seconds, Stun Tampa In Game Three

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SUNRISE, FL – After a defensive slugfest for most of the game, both teams scored back-to-back goals in 11 seconds to create one of the craziest endings to a hockey game in recent memory. Ultimately, the Florida Panthers came out on top in Game Three by a score of 4-2 in dramatic fashion, taking a 3-1 series lead over Tampa Bay.

This game truly had it all. Big-time hits, questionable officiating, and pure hatred were the samplers of this game, let alone the series. In the end, the Cardiac Cats took over when it mattered the most. Going back to Tampa with a tied series would have been devastating for Florida. However, they got the job done in the clutch, something they’ve excelled in.

Where It All Went Wrong

The first period was a defensive stalemate that saw no goals scored. It harked back to the first-round series against Tampa last season, where goals were hard to come by.

So let’s move on to the second period, where this game turned upside down. As usual, the Panthers got on the board first in game three thanks to a wrister from Aaron Ekblad off a blazing pass from Brad Marchand. It was one of the rare moments in this game where there was a one-on-one chance in front of Vasilevskiy and the net.

Florida's goal by Anton Lundell was a product of increased aggression in Tampa's zone in the second period, with Lundy at the right place at the right time.

Unfortunately, it was overshadowed briefly by two goals for Tampa. #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ZQx7VnAVa7

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) April 29, 2025

With barely any shots on goal in the first period, Florida came out swinging offensively in the second. This goal was off a rush to the net, which became more commonplace as the game progressed. In between that, a controversial hit from Aaron Ekblad on Brandon Hagel drew the ire of the NHL world for not being called a penalty.

That said, Tampa Bay shifted into high gear with time in Florida’s zone. They thrived on second-chance opportunities, such as their equalizer that barely got by Sergei Bobrovsky’s left leg.

What no one expected was the Lightning scoring 11 seconds later off a bar-down goal. In 11 seconds, the Amerant Bank Arena was dead silent, and Tampa Bay had the lead.

I Think I’ve Seen This Before

If you thought the 11-second sequence for Tampa Bay was once-in-a-lifetime, the Panthers had a trick up their sleeve.

Before that, the third period started terribly for the Panthers. Niko Mikkola received a five-minute major and game misconduct by boarding Zamug Girensons while he was already on his knees. What happened next was some of the best defense we’ve seen from Florida in recent memory. Against one of the best scoring offenses in the NHL, they killed off a five-minute penalty and even went on the power play right after.

And then the craziness began. In separation mode with four minutes to go, Florida got their equalizer off a rebound from Ekblad – euphoria for him after a prior goal was taken off the board due to the play being offside.

After that goal, Florida won the ensuing faceoff with Seth Jones sending the puck to Dmitry Kulikov, who shot the puck around the backboards. Jones caught it, sending a shot near the blue line that flew by Tampa’s defense along with Vasilevskiy, who had Marchand block his vision.

We witnessed Panthers history tonight. 🙀

11 SECONDS after the Ekblad goal, Seth Jones caught the Tampa defense napping, with Marchand blocking Vasilevskiy's view at the net.#TimeToHunt   pic.twitter.com/Q3KlKBQERp

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) April 29, 2025

That was an 11-second difference between Ekblad’s goal and Jones’ goal. Just like Tampa earlier in the game, but this time it was a franchise record for Florida.

In seconds, Tampa went from potentially evening the series to taking out their goalie for a desperate equalizer. They would get no such thing as Carter Verhaeghe iced the game with an empty-netter.

The final four minutes of this game were nothing short of utter chaos. Thankfully, Florida somehow ended up with the win through it all.

Hear from Seth Jones following Florida's 4-2 win over Tampa Bay in Game 3. 🏒 #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/lWFlGHGOhk

— Jake Gibson (@JakeTheEmcee) April 29, 2025

“It’s 10:22 pm on the clock back there, so we get to enjoy this for another hour and 38 minutes,” said Maurice. “It’s great, the locker room’s great, and then you handle your day tomorrow.”

There’s no time for the Panthers to look back on game three, however. Florida can deliver a gentleman’s sweep to Tampa in Game 5 at the Amalie Arena on Wednesday, April 30th at 7:30 pm.

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