Tkachuk, Panthers Praised By NHL Fans for Taking 3-0 Series Lead vs. McDavid, Oilers

The Florida Panthers are one win away from their first-ever championship after defeating the host Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday. Florida now has a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Florida scored three goals in a 6:19 span in the second period to turn a 1-1 tie into a 4-1 lead. Vladimir Tarasenko scored the first at 9:12, followed by Sam Bennett at 13:57 and Aleksander Barkov at 15:31.

Edmonton didn't go away quietly, though, scoring twice in the third off goals from Philip Broberg and Ryan McLeod. The Oilers couldn't manage the equalizer, though.

Florida led 1-0 after one following a Sam Reinhart tip-in with 1:02 left. Warren Foegele responded 1:49 into the second period with a wrist shot.

Edmonton out-shot Florida 35-23, including 29-18 over the first two periods. But Florida still won and now holds a nearly insurmountable 3-0 series lead.

Fans and analysts alike praised the Panthers for their tremendous performance:

Game 4 will take place on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in Edmonton.