Today is February 28, 2026, and the Florida Panthers have showcased their resilience in a recent game against the Washington Capitals. After suffering a heavy 9-1 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Panthers bounced back impressively, securing a 5-2 victory in Washington. This win is particularly significant as it not only boosts team morale but also marks the end of their six-game road trip with a solid record of 3-3-0.

Sam Bennett was instrumental in the Panthers’ success, scoring a goal and providing two assists. Other key contributors included A.J. Greer, Uvis Balinskis, Anton Lundell, and Carter Verhaeghe, who all registered goals during the match. The Panthers opened the scoring with Greer capitalizing on a rebound from Bennett’s attempt, giving Florida an early 1-0 lead.

Game Highlights and Key Plays

The Capitals initially took control of the game with Jacob Chychrun scoring two goals, putting Washington ahead 2-1 at one point. However, the Panthers managed to equalize with Bennett’s goal, which came after a shot from Verhaeghe that deflected off Dylan Strome. Balinskis then scored on a power play, bringing the Panthers back into the lead with a one-timer from the right circle.

As the game progressed, Lundell and Verhaeghe sealed the deal with empty-net goals in the final moments, ensuring a comfortable win for Florida. The Capitals, on the other hand, faced some setbacks, including a disallowed goal after a successful offside challenge by the Panthers. Notably, Washington was without injured players Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, while the Panthers were missing Brad Marchand, and both Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk have yet to make their season debuts.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game against San Jose, while the Capitals will face Colorado. With the season progressing, both teams are striving to secure their positions in the playoffs, making each match increasingly critical.

For more detailed coverage of the game, you can check out the full recap on CBS News or catch additional insights on NHL.com.

As the season heats up, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Panthers continue to respond to challenges on the ice!