SUNRISE — Certainly, the Panthers deserved to celebrate. Their pressure was relentless.

The Lightning deserved their fate, too. They have allowed Florida to control the puck and the pace.

As for Andrei Vasilevskiy? He deserved so much more.

If the Lightning cannot win a playoff game with their goaltender sliding, diving and denying pucks from every direction, then this season could be heading to a quicker end than last year.

Florida beat Tampa Bay 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night to claim the first two games of the first-round series. And when Carter Verhaeghe’s backhanded flip ended up in the net less than three minutes into the extra period, Vasilevskiy was sprawled on the ice with Florida forward Matthew Tkachuk on top of him, and three Lightning players arriving too late to do a stinking thing to help their goaltender.

“I thought Vasy made some great saves,” Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. “Both goalies played outstanding tonight. One had a little more action than the other but both made some really quality saves.”

Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will dominate highlight clips for the next 24 hours — and you will probably see it for years to come — with a spectacular, no-stick, leaping, backhanded save to rob Lightning defenseman Matt Dumba, who had an open shot at the end of a rush when the score was 2-2 in the second period.

But Vasilevskiy’s degree of difficulty across 63 minutes was far higher.

He kept the score close in Game 1, and he practically lugged the Lightning into overtime in Game 2.

Vasilevskiy didn’t just face 37 shots, he faced a barrage of wide-open chances, rushes, tips and screens.

“Watch two guys like that go toe-to-toe — I know I coach one of the teams — but you kind of marvel at some of the saves that were made,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “On that one save, [Bobrovsky] didn’t quit on it. That’s probably more on us than him, but you’ve got to tip your hat to him.

“I thought the biggest saves were the two Vasy made after that save. Which, at the time, could have sunk us. He kept us in it. It was a pretty sparkling performance by both guys.”

There were actually three rapid-fire saves by Vasilevskiy during the sequence Cooper was talking about. He began by stopping a long-range shot with his blocker, then kept his left leg down to block the follow-up and immediately swallowed a third attempt with his glove.

This all happened in a span of two seconds.

A minute after that, Vasilevskiy disrupted Verhaeghe as he crossed through the crease with the puck, and then caught a wide-open snap shot by Tkachuk from 24 feet away.

With the Lightning on a four-minute power play early in the third period, Vasilevskiy rescued Nikita Kucherov when a shot attempt went awry and Aaron Ekblad broke loose with a one-on-one. Vasilevskiy held his ground in the crease and made a glove save from 14 feet.

If you had any doubt that Vasilevskiy’s less-than-stellar numbers this season suggested there was a problem with his game, this is the night that should put that silly notion to rest. Yes, his numbers (a 2.90 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage) were the worst of his career, but that had more to do with the skaters in front of him and a slow start after offseason back surgery.

But, as the first two games suggested, there is only so much Vasilevskiy can do if his teammates continue to allow Florida to dictate the flow.

The Lightning swore they would not have the same miserable start they had in Game 1.

And they didn’t.

This one was worse.

It was as if they were bowing to Florida’s reputation on defense. They were passing, circling, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Twenty minutes into the game, they had barely challenged Bobrovsky. They attempted only nine shots, and only three were on net. Florida, on the other hand, had fired 23 shots and were leading 2-0.

When the second period opened, the Lightning finally showed a sense of desperation and the momentum briefly shifted. It was 48 seconds into the period when Anthony Duclair whipped the puck toward the net from 25 feet away, and Brayden Point tipped it past Bobrovsky. Five minutes later, Stamkos rocketed a one-timer into the top corner on a power play.

For the period, the Lightning nearly tripled their shot attempts, and put 15 on net.

But once they tied the score, the Lightning seemed to lose their aggressiveness. And the biggest problem has been on the top line, which has been outplayed for long stretches of the series. Kucherov now has as many giveaways (three) as shots on goal (three) two games into the postseason.

Six periods into the playoffs, the Lightning have gotten an MVP-caliber effort from their goaltender.

And they have not led for even one second.

That does not bode well for what’s to come.

If you go …

Lightning vs. Panthers, Game 3

When: Today at Amalie Arena, 7

TV: Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports Florida, TBS

For the first time in the coach Mike McDaniel era, the Miami Dolphins have a first-round draft pick.

What they do with it is anyone’s guess.

The Dolphins have six picks in this three-day, seven-round draft, which begins at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Miami has a first-round pick (No. 21), a second-round pick (No. 55), a fifth-round pick (No. 158), two sixth-round picks (Nos. 184 and 198) and a seventh-round pick (No. 241).

Ideally, the first- and second-round picks are immediate contributors as starters or rotational players.

The Dolphins’ top needs are edge rusher, offensive tackle, and guard/center, although general manager Chris Grier likes to say he drafts by BPA (Best Player Available) instead of need.

Regardless, here are 10 players, in no particular order, who fit the Dolphins’ needs and should be available at pick No. 21 in Thursday’s first round.

Laiatu Latu, edge rusher, UCLA

Latu is a dynamic, angular pass rusher who is regarded by some as the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He had 23.5 sacks in two years at UCLA, where he transferred after briefly quitting football due to neck problems at Washington. Latu would alleviate concerns about edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), and could eventually be part of a quality three-man rotation that could expand to four depending on newly-acquired Shaquil Barrett’s progress. 

Graham Barton, G/C, Duke

Barton can play center, guard and tackle, which gives him an amazing draft advantage and useful versatility for the Dolphins. Barton is considered better on the interior. He’d offer lots of possibilities for Miami, which could use him at center if Connor Williams (free agent/knee injury) doesn’t return and if they choose to play newly-signed Aaron Brewer at guard. Barton could also play guard and compete with Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and Lester Cotton, among others, to start. And Barton could serve as a backup tackle whether or not he plays on the interior.

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Murphy is an active defensive tackle who fits the mold of what today’s game demands — he can rush the passer from the middle, and stuff the run. Murphy would fit with the Dolphins alongside defensive lineman Zach Sieler and fill the spot vacated by Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins signed an assortment of defensive tackles in free agency but none is regarded as an answer as a starter, which could make that position a priority in the first round.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims (6-8, 340) has impressive size, and he has good enough fundamentals and athleticism to be effective on the left side or right side. He’d eventually be eyed as a replacement for left tackle Terron Armstead. But he could use some seasoning as he only has 20 starts. The Dolphins have time to develop Mims because they have Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson returning. And Mims could get playing time because it’s unlikely Armstead makes all 17 starts. This could be a good fit from that standpoint.

Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington

Fautanu (6-4, 317) plays left tackle as well as guard, and one of his best assets is his aggressive temperament. He’s athletic enough to serve as an effective pulling guard or pass protector. Fautanu, such as a couple of other offensive linemen in this range, offers the Dolphins versatility. He’s another who would be an eventual replacement for Armstead who could play guard in the meantime.

Jared Verse, edge rusher, Florida State

Verse (6-4, 254), a transfer from Albany, would add muscle to the Dolphins’ pass rush. He’s got a great first step, which fuels a burst that makes his bull rush very effective. There’s a good chance Latu is gone when the Dolphins pick at No. 21, but that Verse (9.0 sacks) is available. He’d be hard to ignore. Miami doesn’t have a lot of muscle along its defensive front, especially on the outside

Darius Robinson, DT/DE, Missouri

Robinson (6-5, 285) can play inside or outside, which could add great value for the Dolphins because they need help in both areas. He had 8.5 sacks last season among his 14 TFL (Tackles For Loss). Robinson could be a prize for defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who could devise pass rush packages with Phillips and Chubb on the outside and Robinson on the inside to give quarterbacks all kinds of trouble.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Mitchell (6-2, 205) has size and speed, which is one thing the Dolphins need at wide receiver and one thing the Dolphins desire at the position. If the Dolphins truly select based on BPA, Mitchell would be a wise choice. And before you poo-poo this thought, remember the Dolphins, led by offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel, still need a No. 3 receiver. They have candidates but no solid answer.

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Morgan would be the eventual successor to LT Terron Armstead, who is likely playing his final season. You could play him at guard as a rookie. But his strength is at left tackle and he’d probably serve an apprenticeship under Armstead, gleaning knowledge and being a fill-in starter. Some regard Morgan as a second-rounder but he could move up, especially if there’s an early run on offensive tackles, which is possible.

Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton, DT, Illinois

Newton (6-2, 304) is a bit of a lightweight for interior defensive line but he uses his football intelligence to be effective as a pass rusher (7.5 sacks) and run stopper. His feet might be his best asset. The Dolphins could certainly use Newton’s pass rush skills to replace Wilkins. Newton is another player who could stir up some creativity from defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver because Newton can disrupt in lots of ways along the defensive front and be used in creative packages.

For the first time in the coach Mike McDaniel era, the Miami Dolphins have a first-round draft pick.

What they do with it is anyone’s guess.

The Dolphins have six picks in this three-day, seven-round draft, which begins at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Miami has a first-round pick (No. 21), a second-round pick (No. 55), a fifth-round pick (No. 158), two sixth-round picks (Nos. 184 and 198) and a seventh-round pick (No. 241).

Ideally, the first- and second-round picks are immediate contributors as starters or rotational players.

The Dolphins’ top needs are edge rusher, offensive tackle, and guard/center, although general manager Chris Grier likes to say he drafts by BPA (Best Player Available) instead of need.

Regardless, here are 10 players, in no particular order, who fit the Dolphins’ needs and should be available at pick No. 21 in Thursday’s first round.

Laiatu Latu, edge rusher, UCLA

Latu is a dynamic, angular pass rusher who is regarded by some as the best pure pass rusher in the draft. He had 23.5 sacks in two years at UCLA, where he transferred after briefly quitting football due to neck problems at Washington. Latu would alleviate concerns about edge rushers Bradley Chubb (knee) and Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), and could eventually be part of a quality three-man rotation that could expand to four depending on newly-acquired Shaquil Barrett’s progress. 

Graham Barton, G/C, Duke

Barton can play center, guard and tackle, which gives him an amazing draft advantage and useful versatility for the Dolphins. Barton is considered better on the interior. He’d offer lots of possibilities for Miami, which could use him at center if Connor Williams (free agent/knee injury) doesn’t return and if they choose to play newly-signed Aaron Brewer at guard. Barton could also play guard and compete with Liam Eichenberg, Robert Jones and Lester Cotton, among others, to start. And Barton could serve as a backup tackle whether or not he plays on the interior.

Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Murphy is an active defensive tackle who fits the mold of what today’s game demands — he can rush the passer from the middle, and stuff the run. Murphy would fit with the Dolphins alongside defensive lineman Zach Sieler and fill the spot vacated by Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins signed an assortment of defensive tackles in free agency but none is regarded as an answer as a starter, which could make that position a priority in the first round.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Mims (6-8, 340) has impressive size, and he has good enough fundamentals and athleticism to be effective on the left side or right side. He’d eventually be eyed as a replacement for left tackle Terron Armstead. But he could use some seasoning as he only has 20 starts. The Dolphins have time to develop Mims because they have Armstead and right tackle Austin Jackson returning. And Mims could get playing time because it’s unlikely Armstead makes all 17 starts. This could be a good fit from that standpoint.

Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington

Fautanu (6-4, 317) plays left tackle as well as guard, and one of his best assets is his aggressive temperament. He’s athletic enough to serve as an effective pulling guard or pass protector. Fautanu, such as a couple of other offensive linemen in this range, offers the Dolphins versatility. He’s another who would be an eventual replacement for Armstead who could play guard in the meantime.

Jared Verse, edge rusher, Florida State

Verse (6-4, 254), a transfer from Albany, would add muscle to the Dolphins’ pass rush. He’s got a great first step, which fuels a burst that makes his bull rush very effective. There’s a good chance Latu is gone when the Dolphins pick at No. 21, but that Verse (9.0 sacks) is available. He’d be hard to ignore. Miami doesn’t have a lot of muscle along its defensive front, especially on the outside

Darius Robinson, DT/DE, Missouri

Robinson (6-5, 285) can play inside or outside, which could add great value for the Dolphins because they need help in both areas. He had 8.5 sacks last season among his 14 TFL (Tackles For Loss). Robinson could be a prize for defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who could devise pass rush packages with Phillips and Chubb on the outside and Robinson on the inside to give quarterbacks all kinds of trouble.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Mitchell (6-2, 205) has size and speed, which is one thing the Dolphins need at wide receiver and one thing the Dolphins desire at the position. If the Dolphins truly select based on BPA, Mitchell would be a wise choice. And before you poo-poo this thought, remember the Dolphins, led by offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel, still need a No. 3 receiver. They have candidates but no solid answer.

Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Morgan would be the eventual successor to LT Terron Armstead, who is likely playing his final season. You could play him at guard as a rookie. But his strength is at left tackle and he’d probably serve an apprenticeship under Armstead, gleaning knowledge and being a fill-in starter. Some regard Morgan as a second-rounder but he could move up, especially if there’s an early run on offensive tackles, which is possible.

Jer’Zhan (Johnny) Newton, DT, Illinois

Newton (6-2, 304) is a bit of a lightweight for interior defensive line but he uses his football intelligence to be effective as a pass rusher (7.5 sacks) and run stopper. His feet might be his best asset. The Dolphins could certainly use Newton’s pass rush skills to replace Wilkins. Newton is another player who could stir up some creativity from defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver because Newton can disrupt in lots of ways along the defensive front and be used in creative packages.

TAMPA — When Mike Evans arrived as a fresh-faced, first-round pick of the Bucs in 2014, Vincent Jackson was 31 years old.

Jackson would enjoy his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and his sixth in seven years.

To this day, Evans credits a big part of development to the mentoring he received from Jackson.

Flash forward a decade and it’s Evans who will be 31 by the start of training camp. He signed a two-year contract worth $41 million in March. His receiving mate, Chris Godwin, is 28 and in the final year of his contract.

When will the Bucs draft their next tandem of Pro Bowl receivers?

Sure, the Bucs have Trey Palmer, but he was a sixth-round pick from Nebraska last season who contributed only 39 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns. Third-year receiver Deven Thompkins has been used primarily as a kick returner and has only 22 receptions for 115 yards and one TD the past two seasons.

Evans and Godwin have a lot to contribute in terms of setting an example for a young receiver.

In a pass-first league (to say nothing of the Bucs being last in rushing offense the past two years), the Bucs know they have to continue stockpiling receivers and are in a position to do so even with the 26th overall selection in Thursday’s draft.

“It’s another position that you can’t have too many of those,” general manager Jason Licht said recently. “[Offensive coordinator] Liam [Coen] can find a way to use a lot of very good receivers and playmakers. … We really like [Palmer] and we like what [Rakim Jarrett] was showing before he got injured last year. Like I said, it’s another position that I would consider a need and you can’t fill them all right now in the draft, but we’d love to get one.”

The question is which one? We’ll get to that in a minute, but first, why is having another starting-caliber receiver so important?

Remember that the Bucs have a new offensive coordinator in Kentucky’s Coen, their third in as many seasons under head coach Todd Bowles.

While there is some carryover from the scheme implemented last season by Dave Canales, now the Panthers’ head coach, there is a significant difference.

Coen favors what is known as 11 personnel, which simply means one tight end, one running back and three receivers.

Canales deployed more 12-personnel schemes, or one running back, two tight ends and two receivers.

The Bucs already get plenty of work from tight end Cade Otton.

“Cade Otton is a guy that if you look at his body of work in such a short time playing in the NFL, you take for granted that he played [96%] of the snaps last year,” Coen said. “That’s something we need to take off his plate a little bit, but you gain more of an appreciation for a guy that is playing [that percentage of] the snaps in this weather, in this league.”

But Otton, Evans and Godwin will need help.

Among the Bucs’ top 30 visits by draft prospects is Florida State receiver Keon Coleman. A transfer from Michigan State, Coleman has the size (6-4, 215) and body control that is somewhat reminiscent of Evans.

Last season, he caught 50 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns, including one-handed, highlight-reel catches.

“I’m a very competitive guy,” Coleman said at the NFL scouting combine. “High-personality guy, good locker room guy. I’m a guy who is going to come into work every day and give his all in practice. I’m to going compete, dominate, do what I need to do, and just come in as a sponge, ready to learn.”

With Godwin expected to move back inside to the slot, the Bucs need another outside receiver. Having another big target in the red zone can only benefit quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Another receiver who has been linked to the Bucs is Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey, an exceptional route runner.

While he has not visited the Bucs’ facility, that’s not unusual. Neither did defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, their first-round pick a year ago.

Plus, the Bucs already have plenty of information on McConkey, having hired his former Bulldogs receivers coach, Bryan McClendon, in the offseason. McConkey (6-foot, 185-pounds) had 1,687 yards and 14 career touchdowns.

Another receiver that McClendon coached for one year at Georgia is Adonai Mitchell (he eventually transferred to Texas). The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and finished his junior season with the Longhorns with 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns.

“I try to model my game after a lot of guys,” Mitchell said. “There’s a lot of guys out there doing a lot of great things. Just trying to take every little nugget that I can out of a person’s game and trying to add it to my game. If you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying.”

The Bucs also had an in-house visit with Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley, a likely second- or third-day pick.

Evans and Godwin would roll out the welcome mat for any of these players. And sooner rather than later, the Bucs have to find their eventual replacements.