Apr 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) lets in a goal as Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (not pictured) scores during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. (Tim Fuller-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cd2cd097-d137-4bbf-af76-49af76598fcb.jpeg] Apr 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) lets in a goal as Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (not pictured) scores during the second period at Little Caesars Arena. (Tim Fuller-Imagn Images) A forgettable road trip has finally come to an end for the Florida Panthers. Playing their second straight set of back-to-back games, the Panthers failed score in either game this weekend, dropping Sunday’s affair to the Detroit Red Wings 3-0. Despite missing several key players, the Panthers looked like they were on top of their game during the opening 20 minutes. Florida ended up with a 10-7 shot advantage on the Red Wings after the opening frame, but strong efforts from Vitek Vanecek for the Cats and Cam Talbot for the Wings kept the game scoreless. An early second period power play would turn the tide in favor of the home team. Alex DeBrincat converted a one-timer from Lucas Raymond to put Detroit up 1-0 at the 4:37 mark, sending the Little Caesar’s Arena fans into a frenzy. The Red Wings doubled their lead about seven minutes later. Crossing Florida’s blue line with sudden time and space. J.T. Compher snapped a wrist shot past Vanecek, giving Detroit a 2-0 lead they would carry into the final frame. Rookie Mackie Samoskevich scored with under a minute left and Florida’s net empty, cutting the Red Wings’ lead in half, but that would be as close as the Cats would get. On to Toronto and the final homestand of the season. QUICK THOUGHTS Florida’s five-game losing streak is the team’s longest of the season. Samoskevich has two goals and three points over his past four games. Anton Lundell assisted on Verhaeghe’s goal and overall has two helpers and 15 shots on goal over his past four games. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA Three takeaways: Panthers doing more right than wrong, making progress despite losses [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-panthers-doing-more-right-than-wrong-making-progress-despite-losses] Florida Panthers clinch spot in 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-clinch-spot-in-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs] Panthers drop fourth straight game, blanked by Ottawa [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/panthers-drop-fourth-straight-game-blanked-by-ottawa] Shorthanded Panthers hope to snap losing skid, in Ottawa for matchup with playoff-hopeful Senators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/shorthanded-panthers-hope-to-snap-losing-skid-in-ottawa-for-matchup-with-playoff-hopeful-senators] The Hockey Show: Playoff chases, Islanders mess and Roy's Sidney Crosby podcast [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-playoff-chases-islanders-mess-and-roys-sidney-crosby-podcast]
