JCThe Detroit Red Wings were seconds away from securing a road win Tuesday night. Instead, a late collapse handed them a 4–3 loss to the Florida Panthers.
Carter Verhaeghe scored twice in the final 90 seconds, including the game-winning goal with just 15 seconds remaining, as Detroit’s late lead slipped away at Amerant Bank Arena.
The Red Wings had controlled much of the night and carried a 3–2 advantage late into the third period after Marco Kasper scored on a breakaway just over a minute into the final frame.
But Florida pulled goaltender Daniil Tarasov for an extra attacker in the final minutes, and the pressure eventually broke through.
With 1:30 remaining, Verhaeghe tied the game 3–3 on a wrist shot set up by Matthew Tkachuk. Then, as overtime seemed inevitable, Verhaeghe struck again. His shot deflected off the skate of Detroit defenseman Justin Faulk and slipped past goaltender John Gibson with 15 seconds left to seal the comeback.
Detroit opened the scoring midway through the first period when Patrick Kane snapped a shot past Tarasov for his 10th goal of the season. Moritz Seider and Alex DeBrincat recorded assists.
Florida answered later in the period on Vinnie Hinostroza’s tip-in to tie the game 1–1.
The Red Wings regained the lead in the second period when Faulk scored his first goal with Detroit. Acquired from St. Louis at the trade deadline, Faulk shoveled a backhand from distance over Tarasov’s shoulder to give Detroit a 2–1 advantage.
Florida tied the game early in the third when Niko Mikkola’s slap shot from the blue line deflected off Faulk’s skate and past Gibson.
Detroit responded quickly as Kasper broke in alone and beat Tarasov to restore the Red Wings’ lead at 3–2, setting up what appeared to be a strong finish for the visitors.
Gibson finished with 24 saves for Detroit, while Tarasov stopped 25 for Florida.
The Red Wings also lost center Andrew Copp in the second period after he exited with an apparent left leg injury and did not return.
Detroit will look to bounce back Thursday when it visits the Tampa Bay Lightning.
