The Carolina Hurricanes raised their Stanley Cup banner on Tuesday night. The Florida Panthers then reminded them how difficult it will be to repeat.
Gustav Forsling fired a shot past Brandon Bussi with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime, lifting the Panthers to a 1-0 victory over the defending champion Hurricanes in the NHL season opener. The game featured the league's last three title winners, but it was the visiting Panthers who emerged with the win on a night meant to celebrate Carolina's championship.
The contest carried the intensity of a playoff game despite being the first matchup of the season. Both goaltenders were sharp, and the game remained scoreless through regulation before Forsling's late heroics in the extra period.
For the Hurricanes, the loss dampened what was otherwise a celebratory evening. The team honored its Stanley Cup triumph with a banner-raising ceremony before the puck dropped, but the Panthers played spoiler in dramatic fashion.
The Panthers, who have been among the NHL's top contenders in recent years, showed they remain a force to be reckoned with. Forsling's goal came just before the overtime period expired, denying Carolina a chance to send the game to a shootout.
The Hurricanes will look to bounce back in their next game as they begin defense of their title. The Panthers, meanwhile, start the season with a statement win on the road against the reigning champions.
