Devils hand Panthers another playoff blow with 5-1 win

Jack Hughes extends points streak as New Jersey defeats two-time defending Stanley Cup champions

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The New Jersey Devils dealt the Florida Panthers' playoff hopes another setback, beating the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions 5-1 on Tuesday night. U.S. Olympic hero Jack Hughes extended his points streak to four games since returning from the Olympics, while Dougie Hamilton and Cody Glass also scored for the Devils. The loss, combined with Boston's win over Pittsburgh, leaves the Panthers 10 points back of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with just 21 games remaining.

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 latest defeat is a major blow to their postseason aspirations, as they continue to struggle following the Olympics break.

The details

Jack Hughes' shot that went wide banked right to Dougie Hamilton for his goal, and Hughes has four assists in four games since the NHL season resumed. Hamilton, who has been involved in trade rumors, also had an assist. Cody Glass scored his 14th goal of the season, while Arseny Gritsyuk also found the back of the net for the Devils. Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves for the Panthers, who have lost three of four games since the Olympics.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The NHL season resumed after the Olympics break.

The players

Jack Hughes

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

Dougie Hamilton

Devils defenseman who has been involved in trade rumors and scored a goal with an assist in the game.

Cody Glass

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

Sergei Bobrovsky

Panthers goaltender who made 28 saves in the loss.

Aleksander Barkov

Panthers captain who is recovering from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee 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.