Articles / Panthers rally from down 3 in 3rd, top Hurricanes in shootout

Panthers rally from down 3 in 3rd, top Hurricanes in shootout

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NHL.com
Dec 20, 2025 3:40 AM

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The Carolina Hurricanes faced off against the Florida Panthers in an exciting match on December 19, 2025, showcasing skill and tenacity from both teams. The Hurricanes were powered by their star forward Sebastian Aho, who netted two goals and assisted on another, leading his team to a decisive 4-2 victory. The Panthers, however, fought back with a strong performance from Matthew Tkachuk, who scored their first goal in the opening period, setting the tone for a competitive game.

As the game progressed, the Hurricanes showcased their offensive prowess, effectively leveraging their speed and strategy. With Aho's partnership with Teuvo Teravainen proving lethal, the Hurricanes managed to stretch their lead, while the Panthers struggled to contain their attacks. Goalie Frederik Andersen made several key saves, ensuring that the Hurricanes maintained their advantage.

Despite the loss, the Panthers showed resilience, particularly in the third period, where Aaron Ekblad scored, giving the team a glimmer of hope. The atmosphere was electric, with both fanbases passionately supporting their teams. However, the Hurricanes’ solid defense and effective counter-attacks proved too much for the Panthers, sealing the game with a final goal from Andrei Svechnikov late in the match.

In conclusion, the Hurricanes’ victory solidifies their position in the league standings, while the Panthers are left searching for answers as they look to regroup for their upcoming games. This match was a testament to the high stakes and thrilling gameplay that the NHL offers, with top players like Aho and Tkachuk leaving fans eager for more action in the season ahead.