The Panthers and Devils will play a winner-take-all Game 7 after Travis Zajac scored an overtime goal to clinch Game 6 for New Jersey on Tuesday night. The Devils peppered Scott Clemmensen all night, but the Cats played them to a draw through 60 minutes before Zajac finally broke the tie. New Jersey had plenty of opportunities, both on the power play and during five-on-five, to win it in the third period but they squandered each and every one, giving Florida life and a chance to end the series.
Zajac, however, would force Game 7 just over five minutes into OT with a low shot past the left pad of Clemmensen. Ilya Kovalchuk set up Zajac perfectly, drawing the Panthers' defense and then needling a pass through to Zajac, who was streaking down the left side. Video of the goal below:
It looked like the officials blew a tripping call on Devils' defenseman Andy Greene, who swiped at Kris Versteeg and took him down as the Florida forward was cutting to the net with a scoring chance. But the refs swallowed their whistle in overtime, and the Devils would end it five minutes later. The series now returns to Sunrise for a decisive Game 7 on Thursday night.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Panthers' playoff push, visit Litter Box Cats. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, head over to In Lou We Trust. For all your hockey news and notes and more on each playoff series, keep up with SB Nation's dedicated NHL hub.