Severson stunned by Devils' blown 4-goal lead to Panthers: 'That's brutal'

New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson was stunned after his team blew a 6-2 lead to the Florida Panthers in the third period of Saturday afternoon's defeat.

"They're a really good hockey team. I'm not taking anything away from them. But when you're up 6-2 in the NHL, you shouldn't lose the game in overtime 7-6," Severson told reporters postgame. "Simple as that. That's brutal."

Despite an opening two periods that featured Yegor Sharangovich's first career hat trick, the Panthers overwhelmed the young Devils in the third. Florida outshot New Jersey 23-5 in the final 20 minutes while controlling 86.45% of the expected goals at five-on-five.

Panthers star Aleksander Barkov forced overtime with his second goal of the final period, and defenseman Gustav Forsling delivered the dagger in the extra frame.

Saturday's loss followed the Devils' thrashing at the hands of the Boston Bruins on Thursday, which officially knocked New Jersey out of playoff contention.

"We just got hammered 8-1 in Boston and got embarrassed in their building," Severson said. "Come home to our building ... start the homestand off with a great first two periods, couldn't ask for anything better. And then, all of a sudden, we just let them score, score, score. It's just frustrating."

Severson added that he wasn't looking to blame anyone for the late collapse, but noted the Devils lost out on a chance to grow their game.

"When you're playing one of the best teams in the league, you can get some confidence when you win these hockey games, take full control, and not let them come back," he said.

The Devils will have an opportunity to bounce back Sunday against the New York Islanders.

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