Florida Panthers Defeat Bruins in Shootout After Dramatic Comeback

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions snap a four-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory over the league-leading Bruins.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:31am

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The Florida Panthers overcame a late comeback by the Boston Bruins to win 5-4 in a shootout on Wednesday night. The Panthers had built a 4-2 lead in the third period, but the Bruins scored twice to force overtime. In the shootout, Brad Marchand, who was previously the Bruins' captain, scored the game-winning goal for the Panthers.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Panthers, who are currently on the outside of the playoff picture and needed to snap their four-game losing streak. The victory also showcased the intensity of the rivalry between these two teams, who are likely to be competing for a playoff spot down the stretch.

The details

The Panthers jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the second period, with power-play goals from Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell, who also had two assists. However, the Bruins battled back in the third period, scoring twice on the power play to force overtime. In the shootout, Marchand scored the decisive goal to give the Panthers the victory.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Panthers and Bruins will face off again on Thursday, February 6, 2026 in Tampa.

The players

Brad Marchand

A forward for the Florida Panthers who previously served as the captain of the Boston Bruins.

Anton Lundell

A forward for the Florida Panthers who had three points in the game, including a shorthanded goal.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The goaltender for the Florida Panthers who made 25 saves and recorded his 450th career win, the fewest games needed to reach that milestone.

Marco Sturm

The first-year head coach of the Boston Bruins, who previously played for and coached youth hockey in Coral Springs, Florida.

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, who praised his team's effort and believes they are capable of making a playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“Good to get the win. [Boston] is playing really well right now.”

— Brad Marchand

“I give my guys, to this point, a lot of credit. Nobody thought we would be in the position we are right now. I am proud of them.”

— Marco Sturm, Boston Bruins Head Coach

“I think we're capable. I believe that we're capable because what we have done here over time allows us to cut the last game off. There isn't an over-excitement in a win, necessarily. You get on rolls where you feel good. We're going to need some people back. See if we can do that.”

— Paul Maurice, Florida Panthers Head Coach

What’s next

The Panthers and Bruins will face off again on Thursday, February 6, 2026 in Tampa. This game will have a playoff-like intensity as the two teams battle for positioning in the standings.

The takeaway

This game showcased the intensity of the rivalry between the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins, two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers' ability to bounce back from a late comeback and win in a shootout demonstrates their resilience and potential to make a playoff push, even as they continue to deal with injuries.