Overview

• The Florida Panthers lead the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 in their first-round playoff series after a 2-0 Game 2 victory, highlighted by Sergei Bobrovsky's fourth career postseason shutout.
• Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left Game 2 with an injury following a controversial hit by Tampa Bay's Brandon Hagel, who received a five-minute major penalty for interference.
• Hagel faces a disciplinary hearing with the NHL, creating potential challenges for the Lightning as they attempt to rebound in Game 3 on Saturday.
• Defenseman Nate Schmidt has been a standout for Florida, scoring three goals in the first two games, a rare feat for a defenseman in NHL playoff history.
• The Panthers will regain defenseman Aaron Ekblad for Game 3 following his 20-game suspension, while Barkov's status remains uncertain.