Hockey

Benning Scores Twice as Panthers Conclude Season with 8-1 Blowout of Red Wings

by
William Caldwell
April 15, 2026

In a thrilling finale to a tumultuous season, Mike Benning celebrated his first two NHL goals, leading the Florida Panthers to a stunning 8-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers showcased their depth as Wilmer Skoog, Mikulas Hovorka, and Ludvig Jansson all recorded their first NHL points, wrapping up a challenging campaign in style.

Florida’s offensive onslaught featured two goals from Luke Kunin, while Vinnie Hinostroza, Cole Schwindt, Cole Reinhardt, and A.J. Greer each contributed to the scoring frenzy. Skoog, Marek Alscher, and Matthew Tkachuk, who returned to the lineup days after welcoming his first child, added valuable assists, each finishing with two.

For Detroit, Justin Faulk managed to find the back of the net, but it was a night to forget for the Red Wings. John Gibson faced 15 shots before being pulled midway through the second period, with Cam Talbot stepping in for the remainder of the game.

This game marked the end of a season that saw the Panthers, despite reaching three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and winning the last two championships, struggle with injuries. Captain Aleksander Barkov’s absence since the first practice of training camp was felt deeply, contributing to the team’s failure to qualify for the playoffs as they dealt with over a dozen regulars sidelined.

Finishing the season with a record of 40-38-4 and 84 points, the Panthers faced a stark contrast from last year’s success. Daniil Tarasov saved 24 shots in goal, concluding his season with a 13-15-3 record as the backup to impending free agent Sergei Bobrovsky.

The Red Wings, despite their efforts, concluded the season with a record of 41-31-10, totaling 92 points. Historically, every other Red Wings team with at least 92 points had made the playoffs, but this year’s squad faced tough competition that ultimately kept them out of postseason contention.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.