Panthers storm back from 3-0 deficit in possible finals preview

Mar 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour (62) and center Carter Verhaeghe (23) celebrates a goal scored by left wing Matthew Tkachuk (not pictured) against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Panthers storm back from 3-0 deficit in possible Stanley Cup preview

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 3/12/24

The Florida Panthers came back from a 3-0 deficit on Tuesday in their potential Stanley Cup Finals preview with the Dallas Stars, ultimately winning 4-3 and solidifying their case to be the NHL's best team.

Florida's comeback began with a goal from forward Sam Reinhart on a power play with 7:08 remaining in the second period. The score came off of assists from center Aleksander Barkov and forward Matthew Tkachuk.

REINO CASHES IN ON THE POWER PLAY pic.twitter.com/y5ZvtMiamA
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) March 13, 2024

The Panthers (45-17-4, first in Eastern Conference) scored their second goal on another power play with 8:51 remaining in regulation when center Carter Cerhaeghe blasted the puck toward the net and Barkov deflected it in.

TURN THAT SWAG ON pic.twitter.com/qHHYKGb1xK
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) March 13, 2024

Less than three minutes later, Tkachuk recorded his 53rd assist of the season when he launched the puck from the blue line after Florida won a faceoff. Forward Sam Bennett was there to ensure it got past goalie Jake Oettinger.

B-B-B-B-BENNNNNY

WE HAVE A TIE GAME pic.twitter.com/MdfYUCJ6ps
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) March 13, 2024

It only took Florida 38 seconds from there to take the lead as Barkov took advantage of another power play with a wrist-shot goal, his 18th of the season.

WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON pic.twitter.com/L1Pb0zysry
— Bally Sports Florida: Panthers (@BallyPanthers) March 13, 2024

Dallas (40-18-9, second in Western Conference) had its own chances on the power play, but only scored one goal in five opportunities whereas Florida scored three goals in its four tries.

Per ESPNBet, the Panthers (+650) are the favorite to win this year's Stanley Cup. They have a three-point lead on the Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings and an NHL-best plus-65 goal differential.

Last season, Florida reached the finals and lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

If the Panthers win the President's Trophy for best overall regular-season record, which it got one step closer to on Tuesday, they will seek to become the first team since the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks to also win the Stanley Cup in the same season.

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