In a rollercoaster NHL clash on Thursday night, the Florida Panthers pulled off a dramatic 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, capped by Sam Reinhart’s power-play goal with just 1:59 remaining. Florida, who had blown a three-goal lead earlier in the game, sealed the win with an empty-net goal by Matthew Tkachuk in the final seconds.
Tkachuk’s standout performance, featuring four assists and a goal, marked his fourth career five-point game, tying his father, Keith Tkachuk, for sixth-most in NHL history. The electrifying comeback underscored the Panthers’ resilience as they rallied to secure their fourth win in five games.
The Panthers jumped out to a commanding 3-0 lead early in the game. Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola scored in the first period, and Aleksander Barkov capitalized on a power play just three minutes into the second. Flyers coach John Tortorella responded by pulling starting goalie Ivan Fedotov, who allowed two goals on seven shots, in favor of Aleksei Kolosov. Kolosov fared slightly better, stopping 16 of 20 shots.
Philadelphia clawed back with a pair of second-period goals from Tyson Foerster and Nick Seeler, trimming Florida’s lead to 3-2. Carter Verhaeghe extended the Panthers’ advantage to 4-2 before Flyers forward Owen Tippett turned the tide. Tippett, who had struggled early this season, scored two goals in just 23 seconds late in the second period to tie the game at 4. Garnet Hathaway’s rebound goal early in the third gave the Flyers a stunning 5-4 lead.
Gustav Forsling then rescued Florida with a clutch goal to tie the game at 5 with just over five minutes left, setting the stage for Reinhart’s game-winner. Tkachuk’s empty-netter, his fifth point of the night, added the final flourish.
Philadelphia rookie Matvei Michkov was a standout despite the loss, recording three assists for his first career three-point game. His assist on Tippett’s first goal exemplified his playmaking prowess, and his 22 points now lead all NHL rookies.
The game’s pivotal sequence came late in the second period, as Tippett’s quick-strike goals energized the Flyers and erased a two-goal deficit. However, the Panthers’ ability to regroup and execute in the final moments proved decisive.
Florida rebounded strongly from a loss in Pittsburgh, maintaining their position as one of the hottest teams in the league with their fourth win in five games. Tkachuk’s leadership and offensive brilliance were key to the victory.
Philadelphia saw their three-game winning streak snapped in heartbreaking fashion. Tippett’s breakout game was a positive, but the Flyers’ inability to protect their late lead will be a point of focus moving forward.
The Panthers (now 13-6-1) will look to build on their momentum when they host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. The Flyers (10-9-2), meanwhile, face a tough challenge as they visit the Boston Bruins, one of the top teams in the league.
This thrilling contest showcased the unpredictability and excitement of the NHL, with both teams delivering standout performances in a game fans won’t soon forget.
