Alex Wennberg ended his scoring drought by netting the decisive goal in overtime, marking a significant moment for the Rangers who now lead the series. Key players like Alexis Lafrenière and Barclay Goodrow each scored twice, contributing to the team's robust offense. Igor Shesterkin also stood out by making critical saves throughout the game, particularly in the high-pressure moments of overtime, solidifying his reputation as a backbone for the team[1].

Rangers' coach Peter Laviolette played a crucial role in the game by calling a timeout to regroup after the Rangers blew a two-goal lead in the third period. This decision was pivotal as it helped stabilize the team and refocus their efforts, which eventually led to the overtime win. The Panthers, coached by Paul Maurice, dominated the shot count but were unable to convert their opportunities into a win, highlighting the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey[2].

With the Rangers now leading the series 2-1, the dynamics of the Eastern Conference Final have shifted significantly. The Panthers face the challenge of overcoming this setback in their home arena in the upcoming Game 4. Historical statistics suggest that teams leading 2-1 in a series have a significant advantage, but the Panthers' strong performance, despite the loss, indicates that the series could still see further twists[3].