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Florida Panthers Pull Off Historic Comeback to Stun Hurricanes in Shootout Thriller

The Florida Panthers just delivered one of the most electrifying performances in recent NHL memory — a 3-goal third-period comeback against the Carolina Hurricanes that culminated in a 4-3 shootout victory on Friday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. For Canadian fans watching across the border, this game wasn’t just another mid-season clash; it was a masterclass in resilience, clutch play, and championship-level grit from the defending Stanley Cup champions.

In a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats — and likely left many Hurricanes supporters in stunned silence — the Panthers overcame a 3-0 deficit with just 10 minutes left in regulation, marking a historic first in franchise history.

“This is what champions are made of,” said TSN in its post-game recap. “The Panthers didn’t just beat the Hurricanes — they rewrote their own record books.”

Let’s break down how this unforgettable night unfolded, why it matters, and what it could mean for the rest of the 2025–2026 NHL season.

How the Panthers Pulled Off the Impossible: A Night of Fire and Fury

The Setup: Hurricanes Dominate Early

From the opening puck drop, the Carolina Hurricanes looked like the team to beat. They came out strong, capitalizing on early opportunities and building a commanding 3-0 lead by the 10-minute mark of the third period. The atmosphere in Sunrise was tense — the Panthers’ home crowd, known for its passionate support, had fallen eerily quiet.

Carolina’s offense was clinical, with goals from key contributors who have been consistent all season. The Hurricanes, who entered the game with a strong record and playoff aspirations of their own, seemed poised to hand the Panthers a rare home loss.

But then, something shifted.

The Turnaround: Three Goals in 10 Minutes

With time slipping away and the clock showing under 10 minutes left, the Florida Panthers — a team that knows what it means to win when it matters most — flipped the switch.

• Sam Bennett struck first, cutting the deficit to 3-1 with a gritty goal in front of the net, capitalizing on a defensive breakdown by Carolina.
• Just over a minute later, Sam Reinhart scored on a 6-on-5 extra attacker situation, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for a wild finish.
• Then, with less than 30 seconds remaining and Sergei Bobrovsky pulled for the extra attacker, Reinhart struck again — this time with a laser from the faceoff circle — to tie the game at 3-3.

According to NHL.com’s official recap, this was the first time in franchise history the Panthers had won a game after trailing by three goals with 10 minutes or less remaining in the third period.

“We never quit,” Reinhart said post-game. “We knew we had the firepower. We just needed one spark — and once we got it, we believed.”

The Shootout: Rodrigues Seals the Deal

Overtime solved nothing, sending the game to a shootout — a fitting end to a night of drama.

Both teams traded goals early, but it was Evan Rodrigues who delivered the decisive blow, deking out Carolina’s goaltender with a slick backhand-forehand move to give Florida the advantage. Sergei Bobrovsky, who made several key saves in OT, stopped the final Hurricanes attempt to seal the 4-3 shootout win.

“Rodrigues has been a revelation since joining the Panthers,” said Yahoo Sports Canada. “His composure in high-pressure moments is exactly what a Cup contender needs.”

The victory extended the Panthers’ recent run of form, making them 6-1 in their last seven games, and further cemented their status as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

Recent Updates: What the Verified Reports Say

The official accounts from trusted Canadian and NHL sources paint a clear picture of the game’s significance:

• TSN: “Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart scored extra-attacker goals in the final minutes… Rodrigues got the winning goal in the shootout.”
• NHL.com: “The Panthers rallied to tie the game with three straight goals in the third period… the first time in franchise history they’ve won after trailing by three with 10 minutes left.”
• Yahoo Sports Canada: Provided pre-game lineups and context, highlighting the matchup between two top Atlantic Division teams.

These verified reports confirm not just the outcome, but the historical weight of the win. The Panthers didn’t just win — they achieved something never before done in their 30-year history.

Contextual Background: Why This Win Matters Beyond the Scoreboard

The Panthers’ Championship Pedigree

The Florida Panthers are no strangers to high-pressure situations. After winning their first Stanley Cup in 2024 — ending decades of near-misses and heartbreak — the team entered the 2025–2026 season with a new identity: back-to-back Cup contenders.

Led by head coach Paul Maurice and captain Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers have built a roster that blends veteran leadership (Bobrovsky, Reinhart, Ekblad) with rising stars (Bennett, Rodrigues, Tkachuk). Their style? Relentless forechecking, physical play, and an uncanny ability to perform when the stakes are highest.

This comeback isn’t an anomaly — it’s a pattern.

Since 2023, the Panthers have recorded 12 third-period comebacks in the regular season, the most in the NHL over that span. Their 2024 playoff run included multiple overtime wins and a Game 7 victory in the Eastern Conference Final — proof that this team thrives under pressure.

The Hurricanes: A Rival on the Rise

The Carolina Hurricanes, meanwhile, are no pushovers. They’ve been a consistent playoff team for years, known for their aggressive forecheck and deep roster. For Canadian fans, they represent a team that could challenge the Maple Leafs or Canadiens for Eastern dominance — especially if they can solve their playoff demons.

But this loss stings. Blowing a 3-goal lead with 10 minutes left is the kind of defeat that can haunt a team. As one Hurricanes analyst put it: “You don’t lose games like that and stay mentally strong without a response.”

The rivalry between these two teams — both in the Atlantic Division — is heating up. With the Panthers now holding a psychological edge, future matchups could carry even more weight.

The Amerant Bank Arena Factor

Let’s not forget the venue. Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, may be in the Sunshine State, but it’s become a fortress for the Panthers. Since 2023, they’ve posted one of the best home records in the league. The energy from the “Panthers Den” — especially in comeback moments — is palpable.

And for Canadian fans, it’s a reminder: hockey is thriving in non-traditional markets. The Panthers’ success is helping grow the game in the U.S. Sun Belt — a trend the NHL is actively promoting.

Immediate Effects: What This Win Means Right Now

For the Panthers:

• Momentum: The win boosts their confidence heading into a tough stretch of games against top Eastern teams.
• Standings: They remain in the top three of the Atlantic Division, with a real shot at home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
• Team Chemistry: The comeback reinforces a culture of belief — a trait that separates contenders from pretenders.

For the Hurricanes:

• Mental Toughness Test: This loss could shake their confidence. Can they bounce back in their next game?
• Playoff Seeding: Every point