Steve Gorten: Panthers not out against Lightning, but they’re close

MacKenzie Weegar tried his best to put a positive spin on the grim scenario the Panthers face after losing Game 2 to the Lightning on Tuesday night.

“By all means, we’re not even close to [being] out of this series yet,” Weegar asserted after the 3-1 loss at BB&T Center. “No one’s hanging their heads here.”

Steve Gorten, Florida Hockey Now columnist

After losing the first two games at home, they must now win four of five to prevail in this first-round playoff series against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Three of those would be in Tampa.

Good luck.

“We’ve played great all year on the road,” Weegar noted, adding the Panthers need to stick together, stick with it, and maintain “positive vibes” heading into Game 3 Thursday.

“We’re going to move on to this next game, and we’re going to bring it to them in their own rink,” Weegar said.