In a dramatic matchup between the last two Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on Saturday night, with Gustav Forsling delivering the game-winning goal with just 16.2 seconds remaining in overtime. The win extended Florida’s point streak to four games (3-0-1), as they overcame a Vegas team that saw three separate one-goal leads slip away.
Sam Reinhart played a pivotal role for the Panthers, scoring a goal and adding two assists, including a crucial setup on the game-tying goal late in regulation. He now has four goals and nine points in his five-game point streak. Reinhart’s consistent offensive contributions have been especially important for Florida as they continue to navigate the absence of star forwards Aleksander Barkov (lower-body injury) and Matthew Tkachuk (illness).
Eetu Luostarinen netted the equalizer at 3-3 with 7:17 remaining in the third period, finishing a play that started with an Aaron Ekblad slap shot. Ekblad also recorded two assists in the game, highlighting his presence on both ends of the ice. Sam Bennett added another goal for Florida, while Sergei Bobrovsky stood strong between the pipes, making 23 saves.
The Golden Knights, who had hoped to bounce back from their recent struggles, couldn’t capitalize on their early lead. Brett Howden, Keegan Kolesar, and Tanner Pearson all found the back of the net for Vegas, with Pearson contributing an assist as well. Nicolas Roy added two assists, helping create multiple scoring chances throughout the game.
Ilya Samsonov was a key reason Vegas remained competitive, stopping 45 shots despite being under heavy pressure from Florida’s relentless attack. The Golden Knights were outshot 49-26 overall, including a lopsided 21-6 shot differential from the beginning of the third period onward. However, Samsonov’s efforts weren’t enough to fend off a Panthers team that refused to back down.
Florida’s victory demonstrated the team’s depth and resilience, as they managed to maintain their momentum despite missing key players. With the injury to Jonah Gadjovich leaving them down a skater due to salary cap constraints, the Panthers leaned on their remaining lineup to battle back and secure the win. Their determination showed, particularly in the third period, as they controlled play and generated a flurry of chances.
Reinhart’s offensive surge has been critical for Florida, especially with Barkov and Tkachuk sidelined. His performance, alongside contributions from players like Ekblad and Luostarinen, has kept the Panthers competitive and positioned them well in the early stages of the season.
The turning point came when Eetu Luostarinen tied the game 3-3 with just over seven minutes to play. After collecting the rebound from Ekblad’s hard slap shot, Reinhart found Luostarinen, who made no mistake in finishing the play. That goal shifted the momentum in Florida’s favor, setting the stage for Forsling’s heroics in overtime.
The Vegas Golden Knights will look to bounce back when they host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers aim to build on their point streak as they wrap up their three-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild. Both teams have much to prove as they continue their early-season campaigns.
