The Rangers opened the period up by assaulting Clemmensen with three shots in the first minutes, at the other end moments later, recent returnee Mikael Samuelsson took the puck right off his head, stopping play.
With four minutes gone in the third, the Panthers bench was called for too many men on the ice, putting the Rangers on their second power play of the game. 30 seconds later, the Rangers pulled on top when Brad Richards one timed it for his 15th goal of the season, with assists by Dan Giriardi and Marion Gaborik.
Just half a minute later, Mike Santorelli pulled the Cats even again with his fifth goal of the season, shooting it over Martin Biron's glove side, top shelf. Mikael Samuelsson was awarded his second assist of the night on the play, with Brian Campbell collecting his 29th of the season.
With 11 minutes left in regulation, the Panthers were again penalized for another too many men on the ice infraction. Clemmensen made one save, and the Panthers cleared the puck three times to successfully kill off the Rangers man advantage.
The rest of the period saw both teams get good scoring chances, but both goaltenders were having good nights for their respective teams. A bonus round is necessary to decide things in Madison Square Garden, as both teams are assured a point in tonights matchup.
Hits: Rangers, 48-29
Blocked Shots: Panthers, 17-13
Faceoffs: Panthers, 31-29
Shots on Goal: Rangers, 38-21
Score: Rangers 2, Panthers 2