Matthew Tkachuk's hat trick lifts Panthers over Red Wings

Florida ends four-game losing streak with 3-1 victory in Detroit

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Matthew Tkachuk scored a hat trick to lead the Florida Panthers to a 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves for the Panthers, who ended a four-game losing streak. Alex DeBrincat scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who lost captain Dylan Larkin to an apparent leg injury in the third period.

Why it matters

The win helps the Panthers stay in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference, while the loss is a setback for the Red Wings as they try to climb back into the postseason race in the West.

The details

Tkachuk opened the scoring in the first period with a goal assisted by Carter Verhaeghe. DeBrincat tied it up for the Red Wings on the power play in the second period. Tkachuk then scored twice in the third period, including an empty-netter, to complete the hat trick and give the Panthers the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Tkachuk's last hat trick was on January 9, 2024 against the St. Louis Blues.

The players

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward for the Florida Panthers who scored a hat trick in the game.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The goaltender for the Florida Panthers who made 28 saves in the win.

Alex DeBrincat

A forward for the Detroit Red Wings who scored the team's lone goal in the game.

Dylan Larkin

The captain of the Detroit Red Wings who left the game with an apparent leg injury in the third period.

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What they’re saying

“Matthew Tkachuk's hat trick was a huge boost for us tonight. He's been a difference-maker all season and it was great to see him come up big when we needed it.”

— Paul Maurice, Head Coach, Florida Panthers (Florida Panthers Press Release)

What’s next

The Red Wings will visit the New Jersey Devils on Sunday to open a four-game road trip, while the Panthers will host the Red Wings on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Tkachuk's performance was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Panthers, who had been struggling lately. Meanwhile, the Red Wings will hope to get captain Dylan Larkin back healthy as they try to climb back into playoff position in the Western Conference.