Despite the four-goal win in Game 2, Matthew Tkachuk wasn't happy with Florida played in the third period
The Florida Panthers seem to enjoy playing hockey at TD Garden in Boston.
Florida’s 6-2 victory in Game 2 of their best-of-7 second round series with the Bruins was the fourth straight postseason victory for the Panthers inside Boston’s home barn.
Florida now leads the series 2-1, reclaiming home ice advantage ahead of Sunday’s Game 4.
There was a lot to like from the Panthers in this one, from the strong play on special teams to the continued production from several of Florida’s key players, but it wasn’t all sunshine and roses.
Boston flirted with a comeback during the third period, and the Panthers know it’s because they took their foot off the gas and stopped playing their game.
Here are the Game 3 takeaways:
Not a great third period
Florida took a 3-0 lead on the scoreboard and a 24-8 shot advantage into the third period. They were up 4-0 by the 3:09 mark.
Perhaps there was a collective ‘okay, we’re gonna win’ sigh after that Brandon Montour power play goal, because suddenly the Bruins started showing some life.
They were getting to dangerous areas of Florida’s zone easier and not facing as difficult of a time retrieving pucks and transitioning through the middle of the ice.
That led to more chances, more shots, and a pair of quick goals that got the raucous Boston crowd, briefly, back in the game.
“We gave up more than we would like in the third,” said Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk. “We have to get back to what makes us successful. The third period was not how we want to play. Bob bailed us out a few times, the PK was really good – special teams was really good tonight in general – but if we get back to (playing like we did at) the start of today’s game in Game 4, I think we’re gonna be happy with that start.”
Power play heating up
Florida’s power play struggles against Boston were well documented as we entered the series.
Zero goals in 11 opportunities during the regular season was only made to look worse when the Panthers began the series 0-for-7 between Game 1 and half of Game 2.
Sasha Barkov’s power play goal during the third period on Wednesday may have been the spark that Florida needed to get their man advantage going again.
They have gone 4-for-7 on the power play since.
“I actually think we’ve been good on the power play the last bunch of games, they just haven’t gone in,” said Tkachuk. “I think that goal from Barky (Sasha Barkov) at the end of Game 2 was really big for our confidence.”
Bennett hits the ground running
It had been over two weeks since Panthers center Sam Bennett had last played when he took the ice on Friday in Boston.
Bennett made an immediate impact on the game, throwing a check that may have been the reason Boston captain Brad Marchand left the game with in injury, and then picking up the primary assist on Florida’s first power play goal of the night.
His seven hits were tied with Sasha Barkov for most on either team, but one thing that Bennett did not do was take any faceoffs.
With Bennett missing time due to an apparent hand or wrist injury, it’s not surprising that he’s not taking draws and increasing the risk of any reaggravation of the injury.
Even without his services in the faceoff circle, there are plenty of other ways he positively impacts the game for Florida.
“He’s such a talented player and such a hard worker, he’s physical, gets in on the forecheck, and is strong on pucks,” Tkachuk said of Bennett. “We certainly missed him when he was out, we he comes in he’s such a huge boost to our team and to our locker room. Guys were jacked up to have him back, and I thought he played awesome. He had some big hits tonight and made some great plays. He touches every aspect of the game for us, and he was super good for us tonight.”
Note: For those wondering, Carter Verhaeghe took the faceoffs when the second line was on the ice for draws. He went 2-for-8. Tkachuk did not take any faceoffs.
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