Lightning Defeat Panthers 6-1 Before Break

Vasilevskiy's stellar performance leads Tampa Bay to victory in final game before NHL All-Star break.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:55pm

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The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Florida Panthers 6-1 on Thursday night in the final game for both teams before the NHL All-Star break. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 33 saves for the Lightning, improving his record to 16-0-1 in his past 17 games.

Why it matters

This win helps the Lightning maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference standings as they head into the All-Star break. The Panthers, meanwhile, will look to regroup during the break after this lopsided loss to their in-state rivals.

The details

Vasilevskiy was dominant in net for the Lightning, turning aside 33 of the 34 shots he faced from the Panthers. Tampa Bay's offense was led by a balanced attack, with six different players scoring goals in the victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • This was the final game for both teams before the NHL All-Star break.

The players

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The starting goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who made 33 saves in the win.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL team that defeated the Florida Panthers 6-1 in this game.

Florida Panthers

The NHL team that lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1 in this game.

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The takeaway

The Lightning's dominant win over their in-state rivals heading into the All-Star break demonstrates their continued strength as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season.