The Anaheim Ducks extended their team record to 11 consecutive home opener victories after Mikael Granlund redirected a Leo Carlsson pass into the net with just 46 seconds remaining in the overtime period. The dramatic finish arrived shortly after Florida forward Brad Marchand, playing in his first game of the season following a long injury recovery, forced overtime by scoring with only 1:50 left in regulation time.
For the Ducks, the victory marks a strong start to the season with two wins in two games, building on their progress from last year's postseason return. The result is particularly significant for Anaheim given the physical nature of the contest against a proven Florida roster that forced the home team to work for every possession across the full 60 minutes.
Cutter Gauthier led the Anaheim attack by netting two power-play goals and providing an assist on the game-winner, while goaltender Lukas Dostal anchored the defense with 29 saves. Florida's Carter Verhaeghe opened the scoring early, but the Panthers struggled to maintain momentum as the game shifted into the late stages of the third period. Marchand, appearing in his first game since March 6, provided a late spark by scoring on a rebound while Florida goalie Jacob Markstrom was pulled for an extra skater. Despite the late comeback attempt, a tripping penalty drawn by Beckett Sennecke during overtime eventually created the opening for Granlund’s deciding power-play goal.
The Ducks look to maintain their undefeated start to the campaign as they head further into the season schedule, while the Florida Panthers aim to regroup following this second consecutive loss.