Sam Reinhart’s two-goal performance, supported by Aleksander Barkov’s three assists, propelled the Florida Panthers to a narrow 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Amerant Bank Arena on Friday. The Panthers (21-12-2) extended their winning streak to three games, with key contributions from Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk.
Despite Barkov briefly leaving the game in the third period following a hit from Alexis Lafrenière, the Panthers managed to regain the lead and secure the win. Sergei Bobrovsky’s 31 saves were crucial in fending off the Rangers’ offensive efforts.
The Rangers (24-9-1), led by Artemi Panarin, Will Cuylle, and Mika Zibanejad, put up a strong fight. Zibanejad’s short-handed goal tied the game in the third period, but Verhaeghe’s subsequent goal for Florida at 13:37 proved decisive. Jonathan Quick’s 28 saves for New York were not enough to prevent the loss.
The game showcased high-quality play from both teams, with the Panthers demonstrating resilience and skill to overcome the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers. Barkov’s assists tied him with Jonathan Huberdeau for the most in Panthers history, highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s success.
Florida’s win, marked by Reinhart’s impressive performance and critical saves by Bobrovsky, underlines their capability to challenge top teams in the league. The Rangers, despite the setback, showed their potential, with Zibanejad extending his point streak to nine games and contributing significantly to the team’s offense.
As the Panthers continue their winning form, they will look to build on this success, while the Rangers aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
