Islanders Edge Panthers 5-4 as Schaefer Scores Twice

Florida's comeback falls short despite two goals from Sam Bennett

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Florida Panthers, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, fell to the New York Islanders 5-4 in a close game that saw the Islanders rally from an early 2-0 deficit. Matthew Schaefer scored twice for the Islanders, including the game-winning goal in the third period, while Sam Bennett scored two goals for the Panthers.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the struggling Panthers, who are currently nine points out of a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race. Meanwhile, the Islanders' victory keeps them in the thick of the Metropolitan Division playoff hunt.

The details

The Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Sandis Vilmanis and Sam Bennett. However, the Islanders responded with a late first-period goal by Matthew Schaefer to make it 2-1 at the end of the opening frame. In the second period, the teams traded goals, with Carson Soucey tying the game for the Islanders and Bennett giving the Panthers a 3-2 lead. But Bo Horvat scored for the Islanders to make it 3-3 heading into the third. Schaefer then scored the go-ahead goal for the Islanders in the third period, but Sam Reinhart tied it at 4-4 for the Panthers. Andres Lee then scored the game-winner for the Islanders with 30 seconds remaining.

  • The game was played on March 2, 2026.
  • The Islanders scored late in the first period to make it 2-1.
  • The teams traded goals in the second period to make it 3-3 heading into the third.
  • Matthew Schaefer scored the go-ahead goal for the Islanders in the third period.
  • Andres Lee scored the game-winning goal for the Islanders with 30 seconds left.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored two goals in the game, including the game-winner in the third period. Schaefer now has 20 goals on the season.

Sam Bennett

A center for the Florida Panthers who scored two goals in the game, keeping the Panthers in the contest.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The starting goaltender for the Florida Panthers, who has struggled this season with a .874 save percentage and 3.08 goals against average.

Andres Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders, who scored the game-winning goal with 30 seconds remaining.

Bo Horvat

A forward for the New York Islanders who scored a goal to tie the game at 3-3 in the second period.

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What they’re saying

“We must keep finding ways to win, even when we fall behind early. The resilience of this team is what will carry us through the playoff race.”

— Andres Lee, Captain, New York Islanders (Islanders Team Website)

“We had them on the ropes, but just couldn't finish them off. We need to find a way to close out these tight games if we want to make the playoffs.”

— Sam Bennett, Center, Florida Panthers (Panthers Team Website)

What’s next

The Islanders will look to build on this win when they take on the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, while the Panthers will try to bounce back against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Islanders' ability to rally from behind and grind out close victories, a trait that could serve them well in the tight Metropolitan Division playoff race. Meanwhile, the Panthers' struggles continue, raising questions about their ability to defend their recent Stanley Cup titles.