The struggles continued for the Florida Panthers on Monday night in Sunrise. Florida couldn’t capitalize on their offensive chances on a night both goaltenders played quite well, and the Cats were defeated by a hungry Washington Capitals squad 4-1.

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 scored twice, hometown kid made good Jakob Chychrun scored what turned out to be the game-winner and the Washington Capitals handed the Florida Panthers their fourth consecutive loss with a 4-1 win at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday.