NHL Recap: Panthers Edge Penguins in Shootout, Blackhawks and Blues Secure Home Wins

Get the latest NHL updates as the Florida Panthers defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout, while the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues secured home wins.

The Florida Panthers secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night. The Panthers took the lead twice, but the Penguins fought back to level the score on both occasions. However, the hosts emerged victorious in the shootout, with Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell scoring the decisive goals.

The game was a closely contested affair, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. After a scoreless first period, the Panthers struck 36 seconds into the second period, courtesy of Gustav Forsling's sixth goal of the season. The Penguins responded, but the Panthers took the lead again, only for the Penguins to level the score and send the game to a shootout.

The Panthers' win marked a significant triumph for the team, who have been working to build momentum in the NHL. The Penguins, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from the tough loss. In other NHL action, the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues both secured impressive home wins, scoring four goals apiece.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers engaged in a thrilling matchup, with the Panthers ultimately emerging victorious in a shootout. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Penguins tying the score on two separate occasions. Sidney Crosby got the Penguins on the board midway through the second period, scoring just five seconds into a power play.

 

Here’s where our @FLBlue Goals for Food total stands after December! pic.twitter.com/VMCZDlSfEq

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) January 4, 2025

The Panthers regained the lead in the third period, courtesy of Matthew Tkachuk's goal with 8:48 remaining. However, the Penguins refused to give up, and Rickard Rakell scored with just 40 seconds left in regulation to tie the game once again. The overtime period failed to produce a winner, with the Panthers holding a slight edge in shots.

The game ultimately went to a shootout, where the Panthers secured the victory by scoring on their second and third attempts. Unfortunately for the Penguins, their two shooters were unable to beat Panthers goalkeeper Aaron Ekblad, sealing the win for the hosts. The Panthers' victory propelled them into a tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs for fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 50 points, while the Penguins remain tied for the final playoff spot.

In another matchup, the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the Montreal Canadiens and emerged victorious with a 4-2 win. The Blackhawks wasted no time in taking the lead, with Tyler Bertuzzi scoring just 3:21 into the game. The Canadiens managed to tie the score by the end of the first period, thanks to a goal from Cole Caufield.

Nick Foligno played a crucial role in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, scoring two goals, including the game-winner. Foligno's first goal came 7:05 into the second period, putting the Blackhawks ahead. The team's lead was further extended in the third period, courtesy of Patrick Maroon's goal.

The Canadiens attempted to mount a comeback, with Emil Heineman scoring with 10:15 remaining to reduce the deficit to one goal. However, Foligno's second goal, scored with less than five minutes left to play, sealed the win for the Blackhawks. Despite being outshot 58-44, the Blackhawks emerged victorious, handing the Canadiens their first loss after a three-game winning streak.

The Chicago Blackhawks' win marked their 13th victory of the season, with 11 of those wins coming in regulation. However, the team remains at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Canadiens, meanwhile, stay three points behind the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

In another matchup, the St. Louis Blues delivered an impressive performance, shutting out the Ottawa Senators 4-0. The Blues took control of the game early, with Brayden Schenn scoring the opening goal 7:26 into the first period. Brandon Saad added a second goal with 4:10 remaining in the opening period, putting the Blues in a commanding position.

The Ottawa Senators struggled to find the back of the net, despite unleashing 12 shots in the second period. St. Louis Blues goalkeeper Jordan Binnington stood tall, denying the Senators any scoring opportunities. The Blues, meanwhile, continued to build on their lead, with Brandon Saad scoring his second goal of the game with 6:45 remaining in the second period, extending the Blues' advantage to 3-0.

Saad's impressive performance didn't end there, as he completed his hat-trick with less than two minutes left in the final period. This goal capped off a resounding 4-0 victory for the St. Louis Blues. Notably, Saad had scored only four goals prior to this match, making his hat-trick all the more remarkable.

The win propelled the Blues to sole possession of 10th place in the Western Conference, leaving them just two points behind the Vancouver Canucks. This victory marked the Blues' fourth win in their last five games, demonstrating the team's growing momentum. In contrast, the Ottawa Senators suffered their fourth loss in their last five games, clinging to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The St. Louis Blues dominated the Ottawa Senators, securing a convincing 4-0 shutout victory on home ice. The Blues wasted no time in taking control, with Brayden Schenn scoring the game's opening goal just 7:26 into the first period.

Brandon Saad added to the Blues' lead, scoring with 4:10 remaining in the opening period. This second goal put the home team in a commanding position, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Blues' strong start ultimately paved the way for their impressive shutout win.