The Florida Panthers were unable to beat the lowly Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night at home, falling 4-3 in a shootout after mounting a comeback to force overtime. The Panthers found themselves down 3-1 entering the 3rd period, but came fighting back, forcing overtime with a goal with 13.9 seconds remaining in the game.

Tampa Bay took the first lead of the game at 11:24 of the 1st period to go up 1-0. Florida answered with 1:32 left in the 1st on a Keith Ballard goal. The 2nd period was all Tampa Bay as they would score two goals in the period’s final 3 minutes to go up 3-1.

The 3rd period was Florida’s period to fight back, and they did. At 13:37 Cory Stillman would score on the power play to pull the Panthers within a goal at 3-2. Bryan McCabe would score with 13.9 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 3-3 and force overtime.

Florida mustered the only shot on goal in the OT session, and the game went to a decisive shootout. Florida had a 2-1 lead in the shootout with a chance to win the game, but Tampa would score on its next two shots and Florida’s effort would be saved handing the Panthers another shootout loss.

Florida was fortunate enough to get 1 point out of this game, though it is a shame to settle for 1 pt after such a thrilling comeback. With the loss, Florida falls to 2-3 in shootouts this season. Tomas Vokoun started in goal for the Panthers, but was pulled late in the 2nd period after allowing his 3rd goal of the night after 27 shots on net. The Panthers mounted a pretty even offensive push all night, collecting 10, 9, and 8 shots on goal in the 1st-3rd periods (respectively).

Vokoun’s performance was particularly disappointing as he came into the game having not allowed a goal in 6 periods of hockey. The Panthers will finish their home and home series with the Lightning tonight in Tampa Bay.