Panthers erase four-goal deficit to beat Devils

Gustav Forsling's second goal won the game for the Panthers in OT. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers avoid upset by erasing four-goal deficit to beat Devils

By Adam Stites | Last updated 4/2/22

The Florida Panthers kept their stranglehold on first place in the Atlantic Division on Saturday with a win against the New Jersey Devils, but it was anything but easy. The Panthers had to score five unanswered to erase a four-goal deficit in the third period and win in overtime, 7-6.

Florida trailed 6-2 at the end of the second period, but got the comeback started with a goal from Brandon Montour five-and-a-half minutes in the third. Gustav Forsling cut the lead to two and then Aleksander Barkov scored back-to-back goals in the last five minutes to even the score and send the game to overtime.

BARKY SENDS US TO OT! pic.twitter.com/pfEQW3DQyv
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 2, 2022

Less than two minutes into overtime, the Panthers capped the comeback when Forsling scored his second goal of the day.

THESE CATS DON'T QUIT pic.twitter.com/cupGwAqDOx
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 2, 2022

The Devils are tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for last place in the Metropolitan Division. The game was only the fifth time in team history that the Devils blew a four-goal lead in a loss, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

Florida joined the Colorado Avalanche as the only two teams to eclipse 100 points in the standings so far this season.

More must-reads: