SUNRISE, Fla.
Matthew Tkachuk netted two goals for the Florida Panthers on Saturday night, marking his fourth consecutive game with multiple points. In addition, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky returned to the lineup, successfully saving 28 shots as the Panthers defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-1.
Tkachuk has achieved multiple points in four straight games for the fourth time in his career, and this marks his second streak like this since joining the Panthers. Aleksander Barkov also contributed a goal to Florida’s success, which now boasts a record of 5-0-1 over their last six matchups. Bobrovsky’s return follows a brief hiatus due to the impending birth of his child, during which he missed two games.
With the victory, Bobrovsky recorded the 408th win of his career, surpassing Glenn Hall to claim the 11th spot for all-time wins in NHL history.
For the Sharks, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood had an impressive performance, making a remarkable 50 saves—an achievement he has reached only twice previously in his career. Tyler Toffoli managed to score a consolation goal for San Jose with just 1:26 remaining in the game, ending the possibility of a shutout.
Takeaways:
The Sharks likely left Florida in a hurry following a disappointing trip. Their latest visit included a heavy 8-1 defeat against Tampa Bay earlier in the week, marking the fifth occasion in team history that San Jose finished a Florida trip winless.
The Panthers, on the other hand, boasted their highest shot count of the season, totaling 53 shots—outperforming their former season-high of 38 recorded against Columbus on October 15.
Key Moment:
A notable save from Bobrovsky came with around eight minutes left in the game when Luke Kunin escaped on a short-handed breakaway. Bobrovsky effectively stopped the attempt, preserving Florida’s 3-0 lead at that moment.
Key Stat:
Tkachuk’s scoring prowess has shown a remarkable surge; he scored five goals during combined months of October and November but matched that total within just the first week of December.
Up Next:
The Sharks will continue their six-game road trip by heading to Carolina on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Panthers will embark on a five-game road trip of their own, starting in Seattle; they are scheduled to face Edmonton in a rematch of the Stanley Cup Final on December 16.
