LAS VEGAS — Sam Reinhart celebrated his first career selection to the NHL All-Star Game with a standout performance, contributing a goal and an assist in the Florida Panthers’ 4-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday. The Panthers extended their winning streak to six games, showcasing their strength and depth.
Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe each added a goal and an assist, while Brandon Montour provided two assists for Florida (24-12-2). Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky supported the effort with 26 saves, ensuring the Panthers maintained their lead throughout the game.
Florida’s win was even more impressive considering they played most of the game with only 10 forwards. Captain Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodrigues both exited the game in the first period due to injuries. Coach Paul Maurice praised the team’s resilience: “One of my favorite games of the year. … The best part of the game was the bench, because they were up against it. They were cheering for each other. They’re pulling for each other. Just fun to be behind the bench.”
Pavel Dorofeyev scored the lone goal for Vegas (22-12-5), and goalie Logan Thompson made 32 saves. The Golden Knights have now lost six of their last seven games, leading captain Mark Stone to call for a harder, more simplified approach from the team.
Vegas initially took the lead with Dorofeyev’s goal early in the first period, but Florida responded with Sam Bennett’s power-play goal to tie the game. Tkachuk’s and Verhaeghe’s goals in the second period gave the Panthers a comfortable lead, and Reinhart’s third-period power-play goal sealed the victory.
Tkachuk spoke highly of Verhaeghe, noting his scoring instinct and passing ability, and emphasized the team’s motivation, particularly given their history with the Golden Knights in last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers’ performance demonstrates their capability to overcome adversity and pull together as a team, while the Golden Knights will be looking to address their recent form and bounce back in upcoming games.
UP NEXT
The Panthers aim to extend their winning streak, drawing confidence from their cohesive team play and effective strategies. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights will seek to reverse their recent slide and recapture their earlier season form in their next matchups.
