After blowing a 3-0, first-period lead and bowing to the Oilers on home ice in Game 4, the Panthers clawed back with a vengeance last night. Powered by two absolutely extraordinary goals from 37-year-old Brad Marchand and one by playoff leader Sam Bennett, the Cats pretty much had their way with the Oilers en route to a 5-2 Game 5 victory and a 3-2 series lead.
Not only are they deep and good and tough, but they’re mentally strong as well. To let a potential 3-1 series lead slip through your grasp, then have to play the next game in your foe’s barn to boot?