Verhaeghe expressed his frustration with the loss, but also found some value in the intensity and challenge of the game. Despite the outcome, he acknowledged the team’s previous experience in New York and their need to improve in protecting a one-goal lead. Overall, he viewed the game as a learning opportunity.
At 9:53 of the final period, Verhaeghe scored a goal for Florida, giving them a 3-2 advantage, by taking a shot from the left circle during an odd-man rush.
Florida coach Paul Maurice stated that the hockey game was highly enjoyable, and winning was a priority, especially after gaining the lead. However, he also acknowledged that facing some challenges can be beneficial and putting in a lot of effort without getting the desired outcome can also have its advantages. He added that he had no complaints about the game and considered it one of the best games in terms of speed and physicality that his team has played this year.
Pastrnak tallied 45 goals and 56 assists, making him the fifth player in Bruins history to achieve consecutive 100-point seasons. He joins the ranks of Bobby Orr (six), Phil Esposito (five), Adam Oates (two), and Barry Pederson (two). In the previous season, Pastrnak recorded 113 points with 61 goals and 52 assists. McAvoy also hit the 10-goal mark for the second time in his NHL career during the 2021-22 season. As for Reinhart, he is just eight goals shy of matching Pavel Bure’s record of 59 goals in a single season for the Panthers (set in 2000-01). With 10 games remaining, Florida still has a chance to make history.
The Panthers had their fourth match in a span of six days.
