SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers continued their remarkable winning streak, securing a ninth consecutive victory with a thrilling 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday. Sam Reinhart’s last-second overtime goal was the highlight of the night, extending the Panthers’ impressive run.
Reinhart, scoring his 30th goal of the season, demonstrated exceptional skill by converting a backhand from the right side in the dying moments of overtime. His goal extended his scoring streak to five games, underlining his critical role in the Panthers’ success.
Matthew Tkachuk played a pivotal role in taking the game to overtime, tipping in a shot from Carter Verhaeghe to equalize with 2:18 left in the third period. Tkachuk’s goal was also his fifth in consecutive games, contributing significantly to the Panthers’ (27-12-2) resilience.
Sam Bennett added to the scoreline, and Sergei Bobrovsky’s 31 saves were crucial in keeping the Panthers competitive. Florida’s focus is now on extending their winning streak to ten games in their next match against the New Jersey Devils.
The Kings (20-10-8), despite a strong showing, succumbed to their seventh straight loss (0-3-4). Goals from Trevor Moore and Drew Doughty weren’t enough to secure a win, with goalie Cam Talbot making 38 saves in a hard-fought contest.
Los Angeles coach Todd McLellan praised the high intensity and physicality of the game, acknowledging the tough loss despite a commendable performance from his team.
The Panthers’ power play in overtime, resulting from a cross-checking penalty against Adrian Kempe, set the stage for Reinhart’s dramatic game-winner. Bobrovsky, preparing for a shootout, was relieved to see Reinhart’s decisive goal.
Florida coach Paul Maurice lauded Reinhart’s skill and hard work, emphasizing his unique talent. The Panthers’ ability to turn the game around in the latter stages reflects their determination and skill.
In team milestones, Reinhart’s overtime goal marked the latest in Florida’s history, surpassing Dave Lowry’s record from 1993. He also became the second-fastest Panther to reach 30 goals in a season, trailing only Pavel Bure’s record from 1999-00.
Tkachuk and Verhaeghe continued their point streaks, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Bobrovsky’s assist on Reinhart’s goal added to his season tally. Florida’s winning streak is the third-longest in the team’s history, highlighting their current dominance in the league.
The Kings, on the other hand, are looking to reverse their fortunes, with Phillip Danault emphasizing the need to capitalize on opportunities and continue pushing forward. Despite the loss, Los Angeles remains close to turning their near-misses into wins.
