In a tightly contested matchup, Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart delivered in clutch moments to lead the Florida Panthers to a 2-1 shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. The win improved the Panthers’ record to 18-9-2, continuing their strong start to the season, while the Kraken fell to 14-14-2.
Trailing 1-0 late in the second period, Barkov tied the game with his ninth goal of the season, scoring from the right circle with just 1:01 left on the clock. Sam Reinhart set up the equalizer with a crisp pass, marking his 20th assist of the season.
In the shootout, Barkov struck first, slipping the puck past Kraken goalie Joey Daccord with a deft move to the left side. Reinhart then sealed the victory, tucking his attempt just beyond Daccord’s left pad into the far corner of the net.
Reinhart was instrumental throughout the game, assisting on Barkov’s equalizer and scoring the decisive goal in the shootout. His offensive contributions continue to make him one of Florida’s most reliable players this season.
Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall in the net, making 17 saves during regulation and overtime. In the shootout, he was perfect, denying attempts from Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand with sharp stick saves.
Chandler Stephenson gave Seattle an early lead with his third goal of the season, assisted by Jared McCann, who recorded his 100th assist in a Kraken uniform. Daccord was stellar in goal, stopping 32 of 33 shots and benefitting from an additional 18 blocked shots by his teammates.
Former Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour logged 22 minutes and 30 seconds of ice time against his old team but managed just one shot on goal. Montour, who signed with Seattle as a free agent after helping Florida win the Stanley Cup in June, played a solid defensive game but couldn’t find the scoresheet.
Barkov and Reinhart’s precision in the shootout proved the difference, with both players beating Daccord to secure the win. Despite the loss, the Kraken showcased defensive resilience, with Daccord’s 32 saves and 18 blocked shots helping them stay in the game.
Florida, known for their offensive firepower, was held to just one goal in regulation, a rarity given their 31-goal outburst over their previous six games. However, they found a way to win in the shootout, highlighting their versatility.
Seattle’s defensive structure and goaltending were strong, but the lack of scoring depth remains a concern. Montour’s reunion with his former team was quiet offensively, but he continues to be a reliable presence on the blue line.
The Panthers head to Vancouver on Thursday to face the Canucks, while the Kraken will host the Boston Bruins in what promises to be another challenging matchup.
