NHL roundup: Panthers battle past Lightning in OT for 2-0 series lead

In Game 2 of the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series at Sunrise, Fla., Carter Verhaeghe (28) secured a victory for the Florida Panthers with a skillful backhander just 2 minutes and 59 seconds into overtime. The Panthers emerged triumphant with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.

Florida secured its 11th consecutive playoff overtime victory, with eight of those wins coming since the beginning of the 2023 postseason. The Panthers are currently leading the best-of-seven series 2-0.

Sam Bennett and Verhaeghe each contributed a goal and an assist, while Vladimir Tarasenko also found the back of the net for the Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky's 21 saves were crucial in securing the victory.

Brayden Point and Steven Stamkos scored for Tampa Bay, with Victor Hedman adding two assists. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 34 saves.

Rangers managed to secure a 4-3 victory over the Capitals, with Jack Roslovic and K'Andre Miller scoring on special teams within 4:26 of each other in the second period. Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad netted goals in the first period for New York. Alexis Lafreniere and Erik Gustafsson each contributed two assists, while Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin made 22 saves.

In a game against the Jets, the Avalanche emerged victorious with a 5-2 win. Alexandar Georgiev's 28 saves were crucial in securing the victory for Colorado. Artturi Lehkonen had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who managed to rally from a 2-1 deficit with three goals in the final 5:44 of the second period. David Gustafsson and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets, with Connor Hellebuyck making 27 saves.

The Predators secured a 4-1 victory over the Canucks, with Anthony Beauvillier and Filip Forsberg each contributing a goal and an assist. Colton Sissons and Kiefer Sherwood also scored for Nashville. Goaltender Juuse Saros made 17 saves, including some highlight-reel efforts in the third period as the Canucks pushed desperately to equalize.