Rangers Take 2-1 Series Lead vs. Panthers as NHL Fans Praise Wennberg's G3 OT Goal

Alex Wennberg's overtime goal propelled the New York Rangers to a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers on Sunday, giving the Blueshirts a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals.

Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindberg wristed a shot from the blue line, and Wennberg was right out front for a deflection to close a massive victory.

It was a tremendous win for New York, which led 4-2 in the third period before the Panthers scored twice in under two minutes to tie the game with 13:02 left.

It was a devastating loss for Florida, which took 108 shot attempts to the Rangers' 44. More specifically, Florida put 37 shots on net to New York's 23.

A frenetic first period ended in a two-all tie. Sam Reinhart's two power play goals buffered Rangers goals from Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow.

Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow then each scored again in the second period, with the latter player earning his tally on the penalty kill.

Goodrow has now scored six times in his last six postseason games after netting four goals in 80 regular-season contests. He also notably scored the game-winner in the Rangers' 2-1 overtime win over the Panthers in Game 2.

Undeterred, the Panthers fought back with even-strength goals from Aleksander Barkov and Gustav Forsling.

Florida had many chances to take the lead down the stretch, including seven shot attempts on a power play following a Jacob Trouba holding call. However, Igor Shesterkin stood tall in net and kept the score at four.

Fast-paced action marked the start of overtime, and a quick goal almost seemed inevitable. That score happened after Wennberg, a trade deadline acquisition from the Seattle Kraken, netted his first playoff goal with New York for the big win.

The 29-year-old center picked a great time for his first playoff goal, and it was also sweet revenge for him as well after he was crushed at mid-ice following a Dmitry Kulikov hit in Game 2 that was nearly called a major.

One game later, Wennberg is the Rangers' hero. Fans were impressed and elated following the score.

Florida will now host New York for Game 4 on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.