The Florida Panthers concluded their 2025-26 NHL season with a commanding 8-1 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on April 15, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Despite missing the playoffs due to injuries, the Panthers ended the campaign on a positive note, securing a three-game winning streak.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk spearheaded the strong finish, contributing to multiple points including setting up a goal for longtime youth teammate Luke Kunin, who scored twice against Detroit. Tkachuk emphasized the team’s resolve, stating the need to return to playoff contention next season.
Rookie Wilmer Skoog recorded his first NHL point with an assist on the Panthers’ opening goal scored by Vinnie Hinostroza. The team also witnessed milestones from young defensemen Ludvig Jansson and Mike Benning; Jansson earned his first NHL assist, and Benning scored twice in a single period, becoming the first rookie defenseman in franchise history to do so. Forward A.J. Greer added a power-play goal and finished the season with a career-high 17 goals, while Cole Reinhardt extended his goal-scoring streak to four games.
Goaltender Daniil Tarasov made 24 saves in the final game and completed his last three starts undefeated at 3-0-0, conceding only five goals across those games. The Panthers set a franchise record by having three rookies achieve multiple points in a single game for the first time and celebrated their tenth season with 40 or more wins.
Head coach Paul Maurice commended the team’s effort and culture despite the challenges faced this season, underscoring that the team played hard without any inclination to tank. The performance demonstrated the Panthers’ depth and promise as they prepare to return stronger in the upcoming season.
Source: Original report