Panthers Rookies Shine in Rout of Red Wings

Benning, Skoog, and Hovorka all reach career milestones in Florida's dominant win.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the ice.The Panthers' young stars shine in the team's dominant season-ending victory over the Red Wings.Today in Detroit

In the final game of the regular season, the Florida Panthers routed the visiting Detroit Red Wings 8-1. Rookie defenseman Mike Benning scored his first two NHL goals, while fellow rookies Wilmer Skoog and Mikulus Hovorka also recorded their first career points in the lopsided victory.

Why it matters

Despite missing the playoffs, the Panthers were able to give their young players valuable NHL experience in the season finale. The strong performances from Benning, Skoog, and Hovorka provide optimism for the team's future, as they look to build on their Stanley Cup championship from the previous season.

The details

Benning, playing in just his 18th NHL game, scored twice for the Panthers, with his first goal coming on a wrist shot set up by Skoog. Skoog, in his third NHL contest, recorded his first two career assists, while Hovorka picked up a point in his fourth NHL game. The Panthers dominated the Red Wings, outshooting them 14-7 in the second period and getting multi-point efforts from veterans Luke Kunin, Cole Reinhardt, and Matthew Tkachuk.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, the final game of the regular season.
  • Benning scored his first two NHL goals in the game.
  • Skoog recorded his first two career assists in the game, his third NHL contest.
  • Hovorka picked up a point in his fourth NHL game.

The players

Mike Benning

A rookie defenseman for the Florida Panthers, playing in his 18th NHL game.

Wilmer Skoog

A rookie forward for the Florida Panthers, playing in his third NHL game.

Mikulus Hovorka

A rookie forward for the Florida Panthers, playing in his fourth NHL game.

Luke Kunin

A forward for the Florida Panthers who had two goals and an assist in the game.

Cole Reinhardt

A forward for the Florida Panthers who had a goal and an assist in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to see our young guys step up and make an impact in the final game. They've been working hard all season and deserve this opportunity to showcase their skills.”

— Andrew Brunette, Head Coach, Florida Panthers

What’s next

The Panthers will now turn their attention to the offseason, where they will look to build on their Stanley Cup championship from the previous year and continue developing their young talent.

The takeaway

Despite missing the playoffs, the Florida Panthers were able to give their top prospects valuable NHL experience in the season finale. The strong performances from rookies Mike Benning, Wilmer Skoog, and Mikulus Hovorka provide optimism for the team's future as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title next season.