Panthers Stage Impressive Comeback, Defeating Capitals 5-2 in D.C.

Panthers Stage Impressive Comeback, Defeating Capitals 5-2 in D.C.

The Florida Panthers showcased a determined performance on January 17, 2026, bouncing back from a harsh 9-1 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes to secure a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. This win marked a crucial turning point for the Panthers, who had struggled in their previous games. Sam Bennett shone brightly in the matchup, contributing one goal and two assists, helping to redefine the team’s strategy in the face of prior setbacks. The Panthers ended their six-game road trip with a balanced record of 3-3-0, breathing new life into their season.

Florida’s scoring got underway courtesy of A.J. Greer, who converted a rebound from Bennett into the opening goal at 13:23 of the first period. The tide shifted a bit when Washington’s Jakob Chychrun scored two goals, first equalizing at 1-1 and later pushing the Capitals ahead 2-1. However, the Panthers quickly countered, with Bennett finding the net at 11:40 of the second period, making it 2-2 just before Uvis Balinskis gave them a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal in the latter part of the second period. Balinskis, freshly inked to a two-year contract, made quite a debut, solidifying the Panthers‘ lead.

A Game of Comebacks

Following Balinskis‘ goal, the Panthers maintained their momentum into the third period. Goals from Anton Lundell and Carter Verhaeghe sealed the deal, with Lundell scoring into an empty net at 18:40 and Verhaeghe adding another empty-netter at 19:26. This scoring surge highlighted the Panthers‘ resilience and ability to score in critical moments. The Capitals wished they had more depth; they played without some heavy hitters like Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois, which may have altered the course of the game.

While Florida has not had the luxury of their stars Brad Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, and Matthew Tkachuk for this season, the team truly stepped up to reclaim glory against the Capitals. Carter Verhaeghe, in addition to his goal, logged an assist, while Sam Reinhart pitched in with two assists. Goaltender Daniil Tarasov made 23 saves during the game, showcasing his skills and helping stabilize the team’s defensive efforts.

Looking Ahead

As they put this success behind them, the Panthers undoubtedly look forward to their next challenge against the San Jose Sharks on January 23, bringing hope and enthusiasm for a solid performance at home. Meanwhile, the Capitals face a tough matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on the same day. With their recent performances, it’s clear both teams are in the midst of a competitive season, aiming to climb the standings amid the tightening playoff race.