Wild Defeat Panthers 3-2 in Thriller

Joel Eriksson Ek scores game-winning goal with 4.4 seconds left

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:07am

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The Minnesota Wild defeated the Florida Panthers 3-2 in a close game on Thursday night. Joel Eriksson Ek scored the winning goal with just 4.4 seconds left in the third period to lift the Wild to victory. Marcus Foligno and Ryan Hartman also scored for Minnesota, while Aaron Ekblad scored the tying goal for Florida with just over a minute left. The Panthers were short-handed, missing several key players including leading scorer Sam Reinhart.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Wild as they try to solidify their position in the Central Division playoff race. The Panthers, meanwhile, are struggling to keep pace in the Eastern Conference wild card hunt.

The details

Foligno scored early in the second period in his return from a lower-body injury, embracing his brother Nick after the goal. Matthew Tkachuk scored and had an assist for the short-handed Panthers, who were missing nine players. Daniil Tarasov made 47 saves in goal for Florida. Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon had to be helped off the ice in the third period after a collision.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
  • Foligno scored his 8th goal of the season a couple minutes into the second period.
  • Ekblad tied the game for Florida with 1:13 left in the third period.
  • Eriksson Ek scored the game-winning goal with just 4.4 seconds remaining in the third period.

The players

Joel Eriksson Ek

Minnesota Wild forward who scored the game-winning goal with 4.4 seconds left.

Marcus Foligno

Minnesota Wild forward who scored in his return from a lower-body injury, embracing his brother Nick after the goal.

Aaron Ekblad

Florida Panthers defenseman who scored the game-tying goal with 1:13 left in the third period.

Matthew Tkachuk

Florida Panthers forward who scored a goal and had an assist, despite the Panthers being short-handed.

Jared Spurgeon

Minnesota Wild defenseman who had to be helped off the ice after a collision in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win these close games down the stretch. Every point is crucial at this stage of the season.”

— Joel Eriksson Ek

“It was great to be back out there with my brother. We've been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

— Marcus Foligno

What’s next

The Wild will travel to Boston to take on the Bruins on Saturday, while the Panthers will visit the New York Islanders.

The takeaway

This was a thrilling game that came down to the wire, with the Wild finding a way to pull out the victory late. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning, making this an important result in the standings.