Panthers defeat Lightning 4-2, secure 3-1 series lead

The Florida Panthers showcased resilience and belief in their 4-2 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 4 of their playoff series, overcoming a two-goal deficit and a critical five-minute penalty kill after losing defenseman Niko Mikkola to a game misconduct. Despite facing adversity—including a game-tying goal being overturned and Mikkola's ejection—the Panthers scored twice in 11 seconds late in the third period, with Aaron Ekblad tying the game and Seth Jones netting the winner. Veteran forward Brad Marchand emphasized the team's unwavering mindset and ability to stay focused on the moment, which he credited for their dramatic turnaround. The win gave Florida a 3-1 series lead and placed them one win away from advancing to the next round. The Panthers' aggressive style has come under scrutiny this season, resulting in fines and suspensions for players like Ekblad and Jesse Puljujärvi, yet the team’s depth and adaptability in the face of these challenges have been critical to their playoff performance. Head coach Paul Maurice noted the team's experience playing without key suspended players has prepared them to handle such setbacks.