Sam Bennett wasted no time swinging momentum Florida’s way, scoring just 10 seconds into the third period as the Florida Panthers continued their strong run with a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. The win completed a sweep of the two-game season series and marked Florida’s sixth victory in its last seven games.
Bennett’s quick strike proved decisive, breaking a 1-1 tie and igniting a Panthers surge that held up the rest of the way. Anton Lundell and Carter Verhaeghe also found the net for Florida, while Brad Marchand contributed two assists in another steady playmaking performance.
Daniil Tarasov was sharp between the pipes for the Panthers, stopping 27 shots. His biggest save came with just under five minutes remaining, when he denied Trevor Moore on a breakaway to preserve Florida’s one-goal advantage.
The Kings struck first in the opening period on a goal by Joel Armia, who provided the lone score of the first 20 minutes. Florida responded in the second, pulling even before Bennett’s lightning-fast tally early in the third gave the Panthers a 3-1 cushion.
Los Angeles pushed back when Kevin Fiala cut the deficit to 3-2 at the 15:12 mark of the third period after a Florida clearing attempt deflected off his shin and slipped past Tarasov. The Kings had a prime opportunity to tie the game late when Lundell was whistled for high-sticking with 3:05 left. However, Los Angeles managed only one shot on the ensuing power play — part of which featured a two-man advantage after goaltender Anton Forsberg was pulled for an extra attacker — and Florida’s penalty kill held firm.
Bennett’s goal tied for the third-fastest score to open any period this season. Only Kirill Marchenko (seven seconds into a second period for Columbus on Oct. 11) and Anaheim’s Jackson Lacombe (nine seconds into a second period on Nov. 26) were quicker, while Connor McDavid also struck 10 seconds into a third period for Edmonton on Dec. 9.
Forsberg finished with 25 saves for the Kings, who dropped to 0-2-2 over their last four games. The skid matches their longest winless stretch of the season, also occurring from Oct. 11 through Oct. 18.
Up next, the Kings visit Tampa Bay on Thursday night, while the Panthers return home to host Carolina on Friday as they look to keep their momentum rolling.
