Key moments
In a nail-biting finish, the Florida Panthers secured a 5-4 victory against the Seattle Kraken in a shootout on March 25, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The game was marked by a dramatic comeback from the Kraken, who rallied from a 4-1 deficit to force the shootout.
The Panthers improved their season record to 35-32-3 with this win, while the Kraken continued to struggle, having lost eight of their last ten games. Paul Maurice, the Panthers’ head coach, celebrated his 2,000th NHL game, adding a personal milestone to the team’s victory.
Aaron Ekblad also reached a significant career milestone, playing in his 800th game, all with the Panthers. Ekblad expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s been an amazing, wonderful ride, and I can’t wait to continue it.” Meanwhile, Adam Larsson of the Kraken celebrated his 1,000th NHL game, marking a notable achievement in his career.
The game started with the Panthers taking an early lead, with Noah Gregor assisting on Nolan Foote’s goal, which was the first of the match. The Panthers dominated the first two periods, leading 4-1 before the Kraken mounted a comeback in the third period, scoring three goals to tie the game.
Sergei Bobrovsky made 22 saves for the Panthers, while Joey Daccord recorded 20 saves for the Kraken. The Panthers managed to hold their composure in the shootout, ultimately clinching the victory. Eetu Luostarinen commented on the team’s performance, saying, “I think we played pretty solid until towards the end of it.”
With the win, the Panthers split their season series with the Kraken, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The Kraken will look to bounce back as they prepare to visit the Tampa Bay Lightning next, while the Panthers will host the Minnesota Wild in their upcoming game.
As the season progresses, both teams are focused on their playoff aspirations. The Panthers, having enjoyed a competitive window since their back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025, are eager to regain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Kraken are searching for answers to reverse their recent struggles.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further implications from this matchup, but the excitement surrounding the game has certainly left fans eager for more action in the NHL.