EDMONTON — Carter Verhaeghe’s impressive two-goal performance and Sergei Bobrovsky’s solid goaltending, highlighted by 38 saves, propelled the Florida Panthers to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Saturday. The Panthers ended their scoring drought and two-game shutout streak in emphatic fashion.
Verhaeghe, alongside Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov, who also contributed goals, were instrumental for the Panthers (18-10-2) in snapping their losing streak. Coach Paul Maurice praised Bobrovsky’s composure and dynamism in goal, which was crucial in securing the win against a potent Oilers offense.
The Oilers (13-14-1), despite extending Connor McDavid’s point streak to 12 games and Zach Hyman’s goal, struggled defensively. Goalie Calvin Pickard, in place of the injured Stuart Skinner, made 34 saves but couldn’t withstand Florida’s offensive onslaught.
Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch emphasized the need for improved defensive play and more urgency, noting the team’s lapses in allowing Florida to score three goals in the first period, including two in the last two minutes.
Verhaeghe opened the scoring in the first period, marking the Panthers’ first goal in over 126 minutes of play. “Anytime you don’t score in two games it [stinks], so it was nice to see the puck go in the net,” Verhaeghe said.
Montour’s goal and Barkov’s rebound in the first period gave Florida a comfortable 3-0 lead. Hyman managed to cut the deficit in the second period, but Bennett’s power-play goal and Verhaeghe’s second tally in the third period sealed the win for the Panthers.
Bobrovsky’s highlight of the night came when he stopped Sam Gagner on a penalty shot in the third period, maintaining the Panthers’ significant lead.
- Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard’s 13-game point streak came to an end.
- Edmonton forward Derek Ryan exited the game in the third period due to a collision, with an update on his condition expected.
- Verhaeghe, Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk were each plus-3, with Verhaeghe now tied with Barkov for the team lead in goals since 2020-21.
- Barkov had seven shots on goal, emphasizing his offensive presence.
The Panthers will look to carry the momentum from this victory, while the Oilers aim to address their defensive issues in upcoming NHL games.
