Tkachuk scores three, including overtime winner, as Panthers erase 2-0 deficit against Canucks

A comeback built in the third period

Brady Tkachuk scored three times, including the overtime winner, to lift the Florida Panthers to a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The Canucks had led 2-0 through two periods. ^{[1] [2]}

Liam Ohgren put Vancouver ahead at 7:23 of the first period from the high slot, and Elias Pettersson made it 2-0 with his third goal of the season with 2:54 left in the period, with Filip Chytil assisting. Florida outshot Vancouver 24-11 through 40 minutes, according to Canadian Press, but Leevi Merilainen kept the Panthers off the board. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Tkachuk finally beat him at 11:11 of the third. With Akira Schmid pulled for an extra attacker, he tied it on a one-timer from the right faceoff circle with 13 seconds remaining, assisted by Carter Verhaeghe and Seth Jones. He then won it 2:23 into the 3-on-3 overtime with a move up the middle, with Jones and Sam Reinhart credited with the assists. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Numbers behind the result

Merilainen finished with 36 saves for Vancouver and Schmid stopped 15 shots for Florida, per the Associated Press. Florida improved to 4-2-2 and Vancouver fell to 2-6-1, according to Canadian Press. ^{[1] [2]}

It was Tkachuk's second consecutive natural hat trick. He scored three straight goals in the second period of Florida's 7-3 win over Columbus on Tuesday, the AP reported. Jones finished with two assists on the night. ^{[1] [2]}

Canucks lose a lead and a sixth straight

Vancouver has lost six in a row, including the first five games of a six-game road trip. Canucks Army noted it was the team's first lead through the second period this season, and said the power play was a major problem late in the game. Chytil made his season debut after missing time with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason. ^{[1] [3]}

Before the game, the Canucks traded forward Aatu Raty to Toronto for Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr, Canadian Press reported. Florida forward Eetu Luostarinen was hurt in the third period after a hit from Pettersson into the boards, per the AP. His condition was not detailed in the reports reviewed. ^{[1] [2]}

What comes next

Vancouver closes its road trip Saturday at Tampa Bay. Florida hosts Seattle on Saturday night, the AP reported. ^{[1] [2]}