Reinhart’s Two Goals Lift Panthers Past Capitals, 5–3.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Sam Reinhart scored twice as the Florida Panthers rallied in the third period to defeat the Washington Capitals 5–3 on Monday night. The win marked Florida’s ninth victory in its last 12 games, continuing strong momentum for the defending Stanley Cup champions. Florida trailed early in the third period before turning the game around with key goals from Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. Marchand evened the score at 6:16 by knocking in his own rebound past Washington goaltender Logan Thompson. Ekblad then gave the Panthers the lead roughly seven minutes later, and Reinhart sealed the win with an empty-net goal. The Capitals briefly held a 3–2 advantage when Dylan Strome scored early in the third period. Strome finished the night with a goal and two assists. Tom Wilson also had a standout performance for Washington, scoring both of his team’s goals in the opening period and adding an assist. His first goal came less than four minutes into the game, and he later tied the score on a power-play opportunity with under a minute remaining in the first period. Between Wilson’s goals, Florida responded with scoring from Anton Lundell and Reinhart, who netted his 20th goal of the season to give the Panthers a 2–1 lead midway through the first period. After a scoreless second period, the teams combined for four goals in the final frame.

The game was notable as Florida played its first contest since forward Matthew Tkachuk returned to practice following offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. Although Tkachuk practiced Sunday, no return date has been announced.

Washington, which has now lost four of its last five games, will host the New York Rangers on Wednesday. Florida remains at home to face the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.