5 TAKEAWAYS: Lightning 3, Panthers 2 (OT)

The Florida Panthers pocketed a point but feel like they deserved more after losing to the cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 3-2 in overtime at FLA Live Arena on Friday.
While the Panthers led the Lightning 2-1 in goals and 24-14 in scoring chances at 5-on-5, the Lightning converted on two of its seven opportunities on the power play, including Brayden Point's game-winning goal a little over two minutes into overtime.
"I think we've got to stay out of the box," Panthers forward Rudolfs Balcers said. "The penalties, they go both ways. We could've scored a couple on the power play. On [Tampa Bay's] second goal, I think there was a little miscommunication between us. Obviously in overtime they had a power play. I think it's just that. I think we were better at 5-on-5 and should've got two points."

For a quick recap of the game, click
HERE
.
To read up on five key takeaways for the Cats, continue below.

1. TKACHUK CHALKS UP MORE

It only took a few weeks for Matthew Tkachuk to re-write the record books.
Making it a 1-1 game late in the first period against the Lightning with a tipped goal from just outside the crease, the 24-year-old forward became the first player in franchise history to record at least one point in each of the team's first five games to start a season, according to NHL PR.

"He's been good from the start of the year," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "He's our leading scorer now. He's produced every night for us."
Named the second star of the game, Tkachuk also added an assist on Balcers' goal in the second period for his third multi-point game of the season. Making his presence felt early on offense, he leads the Panthers in goals (3), assists (5), points (8) and shots on goals (24).
When he was on the ice, Florida led Tampa Bay 12-4 in shots on goal.

2. BALCERS BANKS ANOTHER

Make it goals in two straight games for Rudolfs Balcers.
Pouncing on a bouncing puck in the slot, the red-hot forward pulled the rubber to his backhand before sending it past Andrei Vasilevskiy to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead in the second period.

"I feel good," Balcers said. "I love the team. I love the atmosphere in the room and on the bench. Playing in this building is fun. It's nice to contribute and score some goals, but unfortunately we didn't get the win today."
Doing a lot of damage against the Lightning, the line of Balcers, Tkachuk and Sam Bennett produced both of Florida's goals. When that trio was on the ice at 5-on-5, the Panthers also led 12-7 in shot attempts, 8-3 in shots on goal and 7-3 in scoring chances.
"They're unreal players and it's really easy to play with them," Balcers said of his linemates.

3. MONTOUR RETURNS

Brandon Montour looked no worse for wear in his return to action.
After missing the previous two games while nursing an upper-body injury, the 28-year-old defenseman dished out two assists and three hits over 23:18 of ice time against the Bolts.
"Obviously taking a few games off, you never like watching the games," Montour said. "I thought the compete level was good and the legs felt pretty good. Obviously it's not the end result that we wanted, but we came away with a point."
In the absence of Aaron Ekblad, Montour skated on the top pairing with Gustav Forsling.
"I've done that in my career," Montour said of the increased responsibility. "I've been top pair leaning heavy on minutes or depth. Whenever my name gets called, I'm happy to be out there."
In three games this season, Montour has produced three points (one goal, two assists).

4. SPECIAL TEAMS

Both teams had their chances, but it was the Bolts that cashed in.
With 12 combined power plays in the game, the Lightning went 2-for-7 on the man advantage, while the Cats went 0-for-5. Despite getting no goals, Florida recorded nine scoring chances. Facing a tough test, the Panthers looked strong on the PK despite giving up a pair.
"A lot of good things we can build off in our game," Maurice said. "Both teams found their way to the box tonight. I think we're seeing that in most of the games. It's early [in the season] and they're calling a lot. More discipline, but we have to play with an energy, and we're still learning how to do that."
After running five forwards on the power play for the last three games, Maurice said that Montour, who was quarterbacking the top unit prior to his injury, will likely be moved back into his old spot next game.
"We didn't know exactly what to expect from Brandon tonight [because of the injury]," Maurice said. "We'll probably make some adjustments in the group and get back to where we were."

5. PINK IN THE RINK

In conjunction with the Promise Fund of Florida and Baptist Health Cancer Care, the Panthers hosted an emotional "Pink in the Rink Night" throughout their matchup against the Lightning.
In addition to a pre-game reception, cancer survivor Molly Oldham sang the national anthem, the Panthers wore some incredibly special warm-up jerseys, pink pom poms filled the stands and more. Those jerseys are currently available for auction at
FlaPanthers.givesmart.com
.
Overall, "Pink in the Rink Night" had three key focuses: raising awareness for early breast cancer detection strategies, honoring those who are currently battling the disease, as well as those who have overcome it, and highlighting the members of our medical community.

"We're so happy to be here," Promise Fund Co-Founder Nancy Brinker said. "The Panthers are wonderful and a great team. … This was a wonderful thing to happen. Sports can do so much to educate people in a non-threatening way, bring them together, and get them enthusiastic about helping us reach our goal."
Since being founded in 2018, the Promise Fund has supported more than 16,000 women in navigating the complexities of the health care system to improve access to early detection screenings, education, diagnostics, and treatment.
To learn more, click
HERE
.
All advanced statistics courtesy of NaturalStatTrick.com