Panthers fall apart in final period, lose to Capitals

A disastrous third period spelled doom for the Panthers on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series against Washington.

After leading going into the final 20 minutes, Florida suddenly surrendered three goals and fell 4-2 to the Panthers.

“It’s one game,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette cautioned. “Our guys played hard tonight. We’ve got to regroup tomorrow and get back to work.”

For the top-seeded Panthers, it was a reminder that playoff hockey is different.

“We let one slip away,” Florida defenseman Aaron Ekblad said. “I’d like to think we’re going to learn a valuable lesson from this.”

– Joe Henderson, Extensive Enterprises Media