Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk meets the media after his team lost 5-3 to the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 2, 2026.
The Panthers, who have lost four straight, are now nine points back of Boston for the final wild card spot and 10 back of the Sabres who hold the first wild card position.
The Panthers led 2-0 on goals from Sandis Vilmanis and Evan Rodrigues, and trailed 3-2 before Uvis Balinskis tied it late in the second.
Buffalo scored twice in the third — with Florida failing to score on a 5-on-3 power play.
Alex Lyon made 38 saves in the win for the Sabres; Sergei Bobrovsky made 15 in the loss.
Florida plays host to Boston on Wednesday and visits Tampa Bay on Thursday before the Olympic break.
Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / @FlaPanthers / Panthers Vision
The Panthers Have Done It Again, Repeat as Cup Champs: https://floridahockeynow.com/florida-panthers-repeat-stanley-cup-champions-2025/
Panthers Get Their New Rings. Yeah, They Nice: https://floridahockeynow.com/stanley-cup-champion-florida-panthers-get-rings-yeah-they-nice/
Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning Bringing Hockey Outdoors – In Florida: https://floridahockeynow.com/nhl-outdoor-hockey-miami-tampa-florida-panthers-lightning/
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Video Courtesy Florida Panthers / Panther Vision
8 Comments
I think it’s better to just rest and heal for next year tbh nothin to be ashamed of missing the playoffs
Can y’all please chill Jesus stop fighting seriously
Unfortunately, too many injuries this year. I wouldn’t give up just yet though but It’s not looking too promising.
We are definitely on the verge of shutting down this year they've given us a great run incredible games exciting playoff runs but it looks like they're tired and it looks like it's over lot of injuries could be the main reason but it's been incredible to see them perform these past few years Love them Panthers
You guys really need to wake up soon or this year's out
It's ok boys rest up and relax and get better for next season, you got nothing to prove just clean slate and reset for next year
Time to rebuild. Too many miles on aging stars
I hate this shit that they're injured
Your era is over losers lmao