TEMPE, AZ – The Florida Panthers extended their winning streak to five games with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena on Tuesday. Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk’s third-period goals, scored just 42 seconds apart, were pivotal in cementing the Panthers’ dominance.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky played a crucial role in the victory, making 21 saves and contributing to the team’s consistent performance. Carter Verhaeghe, with a goal and an assist, also stood out for Florida (23-12-2), which now shares the accolade of multiple five-game winning streaks this season with the Edmonton Oilers.
The Panthers showed tactical prowess, with Reinhart breaking the deadlock on a power play at 7:56 of the third period. He skillfully redirected captain Aleksander Barkov’s sharp-angle pass for his sixth goal of the winning streak. Barkov, who made Panthers history with his assist becoming the franchise’s all-time assist leader, downplayed his individual records, focusing instead on team success.
Tkachuk widened Florida’s lead to 3-1 at 8:38, capitalizing on a rebound off Coyotes defenseman Michael Kesselring. This goal marked Tkachuk’s first in 10 games, demonstrating his timely return to scoring form. Gustav Forsling then sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 17:39.
The Coyotes (19-15-2), despite Karel Vejmelka’s 35 saves and a short-handed goal by Alex Kerfoot, couldn’t maintain their momentum. Kerfoot’s goal in the third period temporarily tied the game, but the Panthers’ defensive solidity and offensive efficiency quickly subdued any resurgence from Arizona.
Florida’s tactical acumen was evident throughout the game. Verhaeghe’s goal at 10:46 of the first period, assisted by a fortuitous deflection, set the tone for the Panthers’ assertive play. The team’s record of 16-0-2 when scoring first underscores their ability to capitalize on early leads.
Coach Paul Maurice praised his team’s resilience, especially in overcoming the setback of conceding a short-handed goal. The Panthers’ ability to stay focused and maintain their strategy under pressure was a key factor in their triumph.
The game also had its share of disallowed goals and near-misses. Logan Cooley’s early goal for Arizona was waved off due to interference, showcasing the game’s competitive intensity and the fine margins that often decide outcomes in the NHL.
In notable achievements, Bobrovsky’s stellar record against the Coyotes improved to 10-2-1, and Barkov joined Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights as the only active players to lead their franchises in career goals, assists, points, and games played. Additionally, Florida’s advantage in third-period scoring and their capacity to allow short-handed goals were crucial elements of their gameplay.
As the Panthers continue their ascent, their combination of experienced leadership, tactical discipline, and young talent makes them a formidable opponent in the league. For the Coyotes, despite the loss, there were elements of promise that coach Andre Tourigny hopes to build upon in future games.
