Vilmanis Uses the Force, Panthers Strike Back in Win Over Blackhawks

Sandis Vilmanis delivered a breakout performance, scoring twice and adding two assists to guide the Florida Panthers to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday in Sunrise. Florida established a 3-0 lead with goals from Vilmanis, Carter Verhaeghe, and Seth Jones before Chicago cut the deficit to one twice in the third period. A late empty-net goal from Sam Reinhart ultimately sealed the bounce-back win for Florida.

Reinhart posted a three-point night, becoming the fastest player to reach 400 points with the franchise and tying Jonathan Huberdeau for second in all-time Panthers goals. Frank Nazar scored two goals for Chicago, while former Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight took the loss. Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola briefly left the game with an injury, but head coach Paul Maurice indicated he was fine.