Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers lost 6-2 to the St. Louis Blues, but one moment early in the second period still lingers the next day.
Less than two minutes into the middle frame, the Blues scored a power-play goal that pushed the lead to 2-0. Tarasov made the initial save, but the puck was ruled to have crossed the line after his glove drifted behind the post. The goal stood, and the night took a sharp turn.
From the Panthers' bench perspective, it was a gut punch. Florida was already playing on tired legs after an emotional comeback the night before. Instead of pushing for a tying goal, they were suddenly chasing from two down.
Video replays showed how tight the margin was. Tarasov appeared to make the stop, and the puck wasn't clearly visible crossing the line on first glance. Those are the moments that swing games, especially early in a period when momentum is fragile.
Florida did show pushback after that moment. The Panthers battled back and eventually tied the game 2-2, proving they weren't finished and that the early call didn't break them outright. But even with the score level, the emotional swing lingered. The Blues settled quickly, while Florida still felt like it was skating uphill, chasing a rhythm that never fully returned.
Early momentum slipped away from Florida Panthers
Tactically, the Blues capitalized immediately. With the lead extended, St. Louis tightened its neutral-zone gaps and forced Florida into dump-and-chase hockey without the legs to retrieve pucks consistently. That played directly into the Blues' hands.
Those plays test focus, especially in back-to-back situations where mental fatigue is already present.
Florida didn't lose solely because of one goal. Still, if that puck stays out, the Panthers might be talking about a very different night.