Tkachuk's Hat Trick Lifts Panthers Over Red Wings

Florida forward collects sixth career hat trick in 3-1 win over 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 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. Tkachuk's three-goal performance ended a four-game losing streak for the Panthers, while Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves in the win. 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 snaps a four-game skid for the Panthers, who are fighting to maintain their position in the playoff race. Tkachuk's hat trick performance is a bright spot for the team and could provide a much-needed boost as they head into the final stretch of the season. For the Red Wings, the loss and Larkin's injury are setbacks as they look to build momentum and potentially make a push for the postseason.

The details

Tkachuk opened the scoring in the first period with a goal set up by Carter Verhaeghe. DeBrincat tied the game in the second period during a 5-on-3 power play for the Red Wings. Tkachuk then scored twice in the third period, including an empty-net goal, to complete the hat trick and secure the win for the Panthers. Bobrovsky was solid in net for Florida, while Red Wings goalie John Gibson made 20 saves in the loss.

  • 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 consistent offensive threat all season, and it was great to see him come through with a big performance to help us end our losing streak.”

— Paul Maurice, Head Coach, Florida Panthers (The Rink Live)

What’s next

The Red Wings will look to bounce back when they visit the New Jersey Devils on Sunday to open a four-game road trip. The Panthers will host the Red Wings on Tuesday in their next game.

The takeaway

Tkachuk's hat trick was a much-needed offensive explosion for the Panthers, who have struggled to score consistently during their recent losing skid. The win keeps Florida in the playoff hunt, while the Red Wings will need to regroup after losing their captain Larkin to injury. Both teams will look to build momentum as the season winds down.