Photo credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers belief showed itself in full when the game looked completely lost and the clock refused to cooperate.
Down 3-0 to the Carolina Hurricanes with just over ten minutes remaining in the third period, the Panthers appeared finished. Carolina controlled pace, defended the middle, and looked ready to close out another disciplined road win. Florida had other ideas.
The comeback started with urgency rather than panic. Florida pushed pucks deep, activated the defense, and simplified everything. Shots came from everywhere, rebounds followed, and Carolina suddenly looked uncomfortable protecting the slot instead of attacking it.
Momentum flipped fast. One goal became two, the building woke up, and the Hurricanes began playing not to lose. Florida fed off the noise, winning puck races and forcing turnovers that never existed earlier in the night.
Florida Panthers refuse to quit against Carolina Hurricanes
Tactically, the comeback was about commitment. Defensemen held the blue line instead of retreating, forwards collapsed harder to the net, and support layers showed up consistently.
The Panthers have now won seven of their last eight games, stacking confidence while still missing key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. Surviving without them is one thing. Believing without them is another.
For Carolina, it was a tough lesson. The Hurricanes entered the night leading the Eastern Conference and playing structured hockey, but late-game composure slipped when Florida pressed relentlessly.
Comebacks like this travel with a team. Players remember them. Benches believe a little faster next time adversity hits. Those moments matter more than standings points in December.
Florida didn't just get two points. They reinforced an identity built on pressure, patience, and refusal to fold.
The scoreboard will show a shootout win. The takeaway is much bigger. This Panthers group believes it is never out of a game, and nights like this prove why.