Devils deal Panthers' playoff hopes another blow with 5-1 win

Jack Hughes extends points streak to 4 games since returning from Olympics

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The New Jersey Devils defeated the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers 5-1 on Tuesday night, dealing another blow to the Panthers' playoff hopes. U.S. Olympic golden goal-scorer Jack Hughes extended his points streak to four games since returning from the Milan Olympics, while Dougie Hamilton and Cody Glass also scored for the Devils. The loss, combined with Boston's victory against Pittsburgh, leaves the Panthers 10 points back of the second and final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with just 21 games left to play.

Why it matters

The Panthers are in danger of becoming the first Stanley Cup-winning team to miss the playoffs the following season since the Los Angeles Kings in 2014-15. This loss is a significant setback for Florida's postseason aspirations, as they continue to struggle since the Olympics ended.

The details

Jack Hughes' shot that went wide banked right to Dougie Hamilton for his goal. Hughes has four assists — one in each game — since the NHL season resumed. Hamilton, whose name has been involved in trade buzz for several months, also had an assist. Cody Glass scored his 14th goal of the season, while Arseny Gritsyuk also scored for the Devils. Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves on 31 shots for the Panthers.

  • The NHL season resumed after the Olympics on March 1, 2026.

The players

Jack Hughes

A U.S. Olympic golden goal-scorer who has extended his points streak to four games since returning from the Milan Olympics.

Dougie Hamilton

A Devils defenseman whose name has been involved in trade buzz for several months.

Cody Glass

A Devils depth forward who scored his 14th goal of the season.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The Panthers' goaltender who made 28 saves on 31 shots.

Aleksander Barkov

The Panthers' captain who is recovering from tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee during training camp and is not expected back until at least late March.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.