In an intense Game 3, the Florida Panthers overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in overtime, revitalizing their playoff chances in the series. This victory turned a precarious 2-1 series deficit into a glimmer of hope for the reigning Stanley Cup champions, who faced a historical challenge of overcoming a potential 0-3 series deficit. With the win, the Panthers boosted their odds of winning the series to 31.2 percent, sparking new energy and belief among their fans and teammates alike.
The Panthers were down 2-0 in this series and trailed Friday 2-0 and then 3-1. They were flat-lining before a helpless home crowd, heading for close to done.
With Game 4 back in Sunrise Sunday night, the entire series outlook just took on a different look, and feel. Florida was staring at an 0-3 series deficit that has been a death knell across NHL playoff history.
No Panther wanted to say exactly what all knew: Must win. Had to. With a 1-2 deficit now the historical chances of winning a series bounce up to a manageable 31.2 percent.
Still, the Panthers did nothing less than get back in the series Friday, give themselves new life and their fans reason to hope.
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