Panthers Top Lightning In Game 3

     The Florida Panthers took a 3-0 commanding lead in the best-of-seven series with a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night at Amalie Arena in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The Panthers can clinch the first-round series on Saturday at the same venue. 

     In the first period, Florida raced out to a 1-0 advantage. Matthew Tkachuk was able to snap a shot with 9:21 left in the opening frame for his second tally of the postseason. 

     Tampa Bay controlled the early part of the second period and took a 2-1 lead. Steven Stamkos collected his third goal of the series with a deflected shot just 44 seconds in. Tyler Motte followed with a goal on a wrist shot at the 2:56 mark. 

     The Panthers leaped by them to reclaim the lead 3-2. Sam Reinhart got his second goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at 9:58 on a wrist shot. Brandon Montour rifled a slap shot with 3:30 remaining in the second. 

     The Cats picked up a goal from Steven Loretz on a forehand shot at 9:41 of the third period and led 4-2. The Bolts cut it to 4-3 with a tally from Nick Paul on a wrist shot with 5:10 to go. 

     The Lightning pulled their goalie like they did in Game 2 and it was not successful to tie the contest. Tkachuk placed the puck into an empty net with 31.5 seconds left for his second goal of the game and his third goal of the postseason.