Panthers Make NHL History With 8-3 Rout of Kraken, Extend Hat Trick Streak to Three Games

Panthers Set NHL Record With Three Straight Games Featuring Natural Hat Tricks

The Florida Panthers continued their explosive offensive run Saturday, defeating the Seattle Kraken 8-3 to make NHL history with natural hat tricks in three consecutive games. Florida became the first team in league history to accomplish the feat, following Brady Tkachuk’s natural hat tricks in victories over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday and the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

The Panthers also became just the third team in the past 30 years to record a hat trick of any kind in three consecutive games. With four hat tricks already this season all coming over the last three games Florida has matched its combined total from the previous three regular seasons.

Florida’s latest offensive showcase featured another dominant performance from its top scorers, as Sam Bennett and Carter Verhaeghe led the way in the victory. Niko Mikkola and Sam Reinhart also found the back of the net, while Matthew Tkachuk contributed three assists as the Panthers continued their impressive scoring surge.

Bennett and Verhaeghe Lead Florida’s Offensive Explosion

Bennett wasted little time getting Florida on the scoreboard, opening the scoring just 1:05 into the first period. The Panthers maintained their pressure throughout the opening frame, with Verhaeghe delivering two goals just 1 minute and 11 seconds apart late in the period to give Florida a commanding advantage. Verhaeghe completed his hat trick with 13:58 remaining in the second period, extending the Panthers’ lead to 4-1 and putting Seattle in an increasingly difficult position.

Bennett added another goal in the second period before completing his own three-goal performance in the third, giving Florida another major offensive contribution as the Panthers pulled away. The combination of Bennett’s finishing ability, Verhaeghe’s scoring touch and Matthew Tkachuk’s playmaking helped fuel the eight-goal performance. Florida’s depth also played a significant role, with Mikkola and Reinhart adding goals to keep the Kraken from finding a way back into the contest.

Kraken Find the Net but Cannot Keep Pace

Seattle managed three goals, with Freddy Gaudreau, Shane Wright and Ryker Evans scoring for the Kraken. Kaapo Kakko and Berkly Catton each recorded two assists, providing some offensive highlights despite the lopsided result.

However, Seattle struggled to contain Florida’s relentless attack, particularly during the first two periods. The Panthers repeatedly capitalized on their scoring opportunities, turning an early lead into a comfortable victory. The defeat also overshadowed the return of former Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich, who faced his former team for the first time since joining Seattle during the offseason.

Mackie Samoskevich Returns to South Florida

Samoskevich spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with Florida, scoring 27 goals in 156 games and earning his name on the Stanley Cup after the Panthers captured their second consecutive championship in 2025.

Florida traded Samoskevich to Seattle in June in exchange for a pair of draft picks. One of those selections was subsequently used as part of the Panthers’ deal with the Ottawa Senators to acquire Brady Tkachuk.

Samoskevich entered the matchup with three goals and one assist through Seattle’s first seven games of the season. His return marked a notable moment in a game dominated by the team that helped launch his NHL career.

Up Coming Games for the Panthers and Kraken

The Kraken will return home to host the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday as they look to rebound from the defeat. The Panthers, meanwhile, will travel to Ottawa on Wednesday to face the Senators, with Florida looking to extend its winning momentum and continue its historic run of hat tricks.

With its offense firing on all cylinders, Florida has established itself as one of the NHL’s most dangerous scoring teams early in the season. The Panthers’ latest victory delivered another milestone for the franchise while extending a remarkable stretch of individual scoring performances that has put the rest of the league on notice.