Wild edge Panthers with late game-winner

Minnesota scores twice in final minutes to hand Florida another tough loss

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Marcus Foligno scored in his return from injury and Joel Eriksson Ek netted the game-winning goal with just 5 seconds left as the Minnesota Wild defeated the struggling Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday night in Sunrise, Florida.

Why it matters

The loss extends the Panthers' recent skid, as they have now dropped 4 of their last 6 games and sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Wild continue to solidify their playoff position in the West.

The details

Foligno opened the scoring for Minnesota in the second period, and Ryan Hartman extended the lead later in the frame. But the Panthers battled back, with Matthew Tkachuk and Aaron Ekblad scoring in the third period to tie it. However, Eriksson Ek's late heroics gave the Wild the victory.

  • Foligno scored with 17:13 left in the second period to give Minnesota a 1-0 lead.
  • Hartman extended the Wild's lead to 2-0 with 1:35 remaining in the second period.
  • Tkachuk scored 42 seconds into the third period to pull the Panthers within 2-1.
  • Ekblad tied the game 2-2 with 1:13 left in regulation.
  • Eriksson Ek scored the game-winning goal for Minnesota with just 5 seconds remaining.

The players

Marcus Foligno

Minnesota Wild forward who scored the opening goal in his return from injury.

Joel Eriksson Ek

Minnesota Wild forward who scored the game-winning goal with just 5 seconds left in regulation.

Matthew Tkachuk

Florida Panthers forward who scored a goal to pull his team within 2-1 in the third period.

Aaron Ekblad

Florida Panthers defenseman who scored the game-tying goal with 1:13 remaining in regulation.

Daniil Tarasov

Florida Panthers backup goaltender who made 46 saves in the losing effort.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Wild's resilience and ability to win close games late, while also showcasing the Panthers' recent struggles and their inability to hold onto leads. The result keeps Minnesota firmly in playoff position, while Florida continues to slide down the Eastern Conference standings.