Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers finally ran out of gas, and the St. Louis Blues made them pay for it.
One night after an exhausting, historic comeback against Carolina, the Panthers fell flat in a 6-2 loss to the Blues in Sunrise. Florida's four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end, and the game followed a familiar script for teams playing on the wrong side of an emotional back-to-back.
From the opening faceoff, Florida looked a half-step slow. St. Louis controlled the pace early, won battles along the boards, and got to the interior far too easily. The Panthers chased the game almost immediately, something they've avoided during their recent surge.
The Blues didn't need style points. They played direct, heavy hockey and capitalized on Florida mistakes. Turnovers turned into odd-man rushes, coverage broke down in front of the net, and the margin widened quickly. This wasn't about one bad bounce, it was about fatigue meeting a disciplined opponent.
Florida had flashes. There were moments of push, brief stretches where the Panthers looked ready to claw back. But unlike the night before, the legs didn't follow the ideas. The jump simply wasn't there, and St. Louis never let momentum swing.
Florida Panthers stumble after draining comeback win
Tactically, Florida drifted from its recent formula. Defensive gaps opened, neutral-zone pressure softened, and net-front coverage slipped.
Daniil Tarasov didn't get much help. Screens went unchecked, rebounds lingered, and defensive support arrived late. Nights like this remind you how thin the margin is when structure fades even slightly.
The loss doesn't erase the progress. Florida is still 7-2-1 over its last ten games and firmly back in the playoff conversation. If anything, this game reinforces what made the previous stretch work, detail, patience, and energy.
Paul Maurice often talks about learning moments. This qualifies. Good teams don't panic after losses like this. They absorb them, reset, and move forward.
The Panthers spent the week proving they can climb. This loss simply reminds them they still have to manage the grind.
Winning streaks end. Habits shouldn't. How Florida responds next will matter far more than how this one ended.