The Florida Panthers snapped their three-game losing streak with a commanding 5-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. Forward Sam Reinhart ended his personal three-game goal drought, finding the back of the net for his 28th goal of the season to tie the game in the first period. Carter Verhaeghe added a goal and an assist, leading the Panthers to their 10th consecutive game earning a point against the Ducks.
Evan Rodrigues, Sam Bennett, and Uvis Balinskis also contributed goals for Florida, while Mackie Samoskevich and Tomas Nosek each recorded two assists. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves, improving to 5-0 against Anaheim since joining the Panthers in the 2019-20 season.
For the Ducks, Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish scored, and Troy Terry added an assist, marking his 265th career point to move into 10th place on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal stopped 24 shots but struggled to contain Florida’s offensive surge.
The Ducks struck first with Vatrano’s goal, assisted by Terry, but Reinhart tied it at 1-1 midway through the opening period. Reinhart capitalized on a slick pass from Matthew Tkachuk, beating Dostal with a backhand to secure his league-tied second-place position in goals alongside Toronto’s William Nylander.
The Panthers quickly took control. Verhaeghe delivered a pivotal moment late in the first period, intercepting the puck from Anaheim defenseman Jacob Trouba behind the Ducks’ net before firing it into the top-right corner to extend Florida’s lead to 3-1.
Florida has now scored three first-period goals in four games this season, trailing only division rivals Tampa Bay and Ottawa, who have each achieved the feat five times.
Sergei Bobrovsky the Panthers’ goaltender continued his dominance over Anaheim, improving his career stats against the Ducks to a 2.36 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage in five appearances.
Trevor Zegras returning to the Ducks’ lineup after missing 22 games due to meniscus surgery, Zegras played on the second line with Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn, though he did not record a point in his return.
Verhaeghe’s goal late in the first period proved to be the turning point, putting Florida firmly in the driver’s seat. His timely steal and accurate finish were emblematic of Florida’s relentless pressure on Anaheim throughout the game.
Florida demonstrated their depth and resilience, with contributions from all lines. Reinhart’s scoring touch and Bobrovsky’s reliable goaltending highlight why the Panthers remain a consistent threat.
Despite a strong effort from Troy Terry and the return of Trevor Zegras, Anaheim’s defensive lapses and lack of offensive firepower were evident. The Ducks have struggled to maintain leads and face challenges ahead as they attempt to turn their season around.
The Panthers head to Los Angeles for a Wednesday night matchup against the Kings, while the Ducks will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.
Florida will look to build on this dominant performance, while Anaheim hopes to regroup and secure a much-needed win.