The Florida Panthers built a three-goal lead in the third period, lost it in just over two minutes, then regrouped to defeat the Seattle Kraken 5-4 in a shootout on Tuesday night. Vinnie Hinostroza scored the deciding goal in the shootout after a dramatic finish to regulation.
Florida appeared in control late in the game, leading 4-1 with under eight minutes remaining. Seattle responded with three goals in quick succession to force overtime. The Panthers recovered in the shootout to secure the result and avoid a damaging loss.
The game reflected both teams’ current form. Florida showed offensive depth and control for much of the night. Seattle showed urgency late but could not complete the comeback. The Kraken have now lost eight of their last 10 games.
Panthers Build Commanding Lead
Florida established control through balanced scoring and effective puck movement. Nolan Foote opened the scoring in the second period after a setup from Noah Gregor, who created the play off the rush.
The Panthers carried that momentum into the third period. Eetu Luostarinen and Carter Verhaeghe added goals as Florida extended its lead. Gregor then made it 4-1 with 7:39 remaining when his attempt from the wall deflected off a defender and past goaltender Joey Daccord.
At that point, Florida had limited Seattle’s offense and maintained structure in its own zone. Sergei Bobrovsky made key saves, and the Panthers controlled possession.
The game appeared settled with the three-goal margin and limited time left.
Kraken Rally In Final Minutes
Seattle shifted the pace quickly after falling behind by three. Matty Beniers started the comeback with 5:43 remaining. He capitalized on a loose puck after a poke check and beat Bobrovsky to cut the deficit to 4-2.
The Kraken increased pressure and forced turnovers in the offensive zone. Jordan Eberle made it 4-3 with 3:36 left after intercepting the puck and driving toward the net.
Just 14 seconds later, Bobby McMann tied the game. He finished a rush play by slipping the puck through Bobrovsky’s pads, completing a rapid three-goal surge.
The sequence changed the game’s momentum. Seattle moved from a three-goal deficit to level within 2:21. Florida struggled to regain composure during that stretch.
Overtime And Shootout Decide Outcome
Overtime produced chances at both ends but no goals. Each team played cautiously, looking for openings in transition. Goaltenders held firm, sending the game to a shootout.
Hinostroza provided the decisive moment. He converted his attempt to give Florida the edge. Seattle could not respond, and the Panthers secured the win.
The shootout result allowed Florida to recover after surrendering its lead. It also prevented the Kraken from completing a comeback that would have shifted momentum late in the game.
Key Performances And Milestones
Florida received contributions across its lineup. Foote, Luostarinen, Verhaeghe, and Gregor each scored in regulation. Gregor played a key role in multiple goals and provided energy after being called up from the AHL.
Bobrovsky made 22 saves and steadied the team in overtime and the shootout. His performance earlier in the game helped Florida build its lead.
For Seattle, Beniers, Eberle, and McMann drove the comeback effort. Ryker Evans also scored earlier in the third period. Joey Daccord made 20 saves but faced sustained pressure for much of the game.
The night also included several milestones. Florida coach Paul Maurice was honored for reaching 2,000 career games behind the bench. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad played in his 800th game, all with the Panthers.
Seattle defenseman Adam Larsson reached 1,000 career NHL games, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Momentum And Standings Context
Florida continues to push for consistency as the season enters its final stretch. The team showed strong offensive structure, but will need to address late-game execution after allowing the lead to slip.
Seattle remains in a difficult stretch. The Kraken have struggled to close out games and maintain defensive stability. The late rally showed promise, but the inability to close out reflects ongoing inconsistency.
The result leaves Seattle further behind in the playoff race, while Florida gains a needed result despite the late collapse.
Up Next
Seattle continues its road trip with a visit to Tampa Bay on Thursday. Florida returns home to face Minnesota, looking to build on this result.
