Barkov sets Panthers' points mark in 5-2 win over Red Wings
Florida Panthers center Eric Staal (12) shoots the puck past Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
DETROIT — Aleksander Barkov set the Florida franchise record for most career points, Carter Verhaeghe scored two goals, and the streaking Panthers beat the Detroit Wings for the ninth consecutive time, 5-2 on Monday night.
Barkov recorded a second-period assist, giving him 614 points, breaking a tie with Jonathan Huberdeau for the team record.
Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and two assists, giving him 14 points over the last five games. Eric Staal and Gustav Forsling also scored for the Panthers, who are 6-0-1 over their last seven games, and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 20 shots.
Pius Suter and Dylan Larkin scored for the Red Wings, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games. Ville Husso had 20 saves.
The Panthers led 2-1 after the first period.
The first Florida goal came after Lucas Raymond's turnover in his own zone. Sam Bennett made the steal and passed it to Tkachuk for his 33rd goal.
Verhaeghe made it 2-0 with a slap shot that got past a screened Husso. The Red Wings challenged for goalie interference, but the goal was upheld after a video review.
Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg (94) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) reach for the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
Just after killing off the subsequent penalty, Detroit got on the board when Suter jammed in a rebound of David Perron's shot.
Forsling scored on shot from the point midway through the second period to restore Florida's two-goal advantage. Barkov had the second assist, allowing him to break the franchise points record.
Larkin scored on a delayed penalty off a pass from Raymond at 7:53 of the third to cut the Panthers' lead to 3-2.
Staal scored on a breakaway off a pass from Anthony Duclair with under four minutes left, and Verhaeghe added a power-play goal.
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stops a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing Dominik Kubalik (81) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, March 20, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
GAME NOTES
Panthers F Eetu Luostarinen had an assist in the 200th game of his career. ... Florida is 29-2-3 when leading after two periods. ... The last time the Red Wings beat the Panthers was Feb. 20, 2021. ... Barkov has 42 points in 38 career games against Detroit. ... Andrew Copp notched his 150th career assist on Larkin's goal.
UP NEXT
Panthers: At Philadelphia on Tuesday night.
Red Wings: At St. Louis on Tuesday night to open a home-and-home set.
