"One of the worst efforts" "Win a game without Tkachuk": NHL fans react as Lightning beat Panthers 5-1 in Game 3 to keep playoff series alive

Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series. Jake Guentzel had one goal and two assists for Tampa Bay, who stay alive in the best-of-seven series that Florida leads 2-1. Game 4 will be played on Monday in Sunrise.

After the game, the Florida Panthers's official X (formerly Twitter) account shared the final score:

"Tampa wins 5-1."

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Soon, fans noticed the post and shared their strong opinions about it. Many were upset with Florida's poor effort in Game 3.

"Fell asleep after scoring today. One of the worst efforts I've seen in a long time from the Panthers. Need to turn things around on Monday," one fan wrote.

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"Better hope we can win a game without Tkachuk," another fan commented.

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"Enjoy the press box next game matthew. Joke of a player," one fan said.

In the game, Matthew Tkachuk was given a 5-minute penalty for his hit on Jake Guentzel before Tampa scored an empty-net goal. Some fans were calling out Tkachuk for the hit.

Here are some more reactions from NHL fans on X (formerly Twitter):

"y'all can come at me but tkachuk should get suspended for that hit. straight up. you CANNOT be doing that at all." a fan wrote.

"So no Mathew for game 4. Let's see how that works out for the panthrs. Don't worry I'm sure he will just get a fine." another fan wrote.

"We beat y’all without Hagel and you’re about to lose Tkatchuk LOL" a fan reacted.

Now, the Tampa Bay Lightning will look to tie the series in Game 4.

Florida Panthers fall 5-1 to Tampa Bay Lightning in game 3 of Eastern Conference first round

The Florida Panthers lost 5-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference First Round. Matthew Tkachuk scored first for Florida at 2:43 of the first period. He put the puck in after a turnover by the Lightning. Tampa Bay responded at 17:15 to tie the game 1-1.

In the second period, Nick Paul put the Lightning ahead 2-1, with a wrist shot from the right circle. Guentzel then scored 21 seconds into the third period for a 3-1 lead. Luke Glendening extended the lead to 4-1, and Anthony Cirelli added an empty-net goal at 15:00 for the final 5-1 score.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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Edited by William Paul