The Panthers made it to the first intermission tied despite getting largely outplayed largely because of one player: Defensemen Niko Mikkola, who scored Florida’s only goal and prevented another. Mikkola lit the lamp for the first time in 2024-2025 exactly seven minutes into the game, cashing in a perfect pass from Sam Bennett on an odd-man rush.

Lars Eller had two goals, Jakob Chychrun had a goal and two assists, and the Washington Capitals beat the reeling Florida Panthers 4-1 on Monday night.

The Florida Panthers continue their pre-Thanksgiving homestand with another challenging opponent on Monday. Florida has lost five of their past six games and will now welcome the Washington Capitals to Sunrise.