Granlund Decides as Ducks Edge Panthers 3-2 in Overtime Thriller

Overtime Winner Seals Victory

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the visiting Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Mikael Granlund provided the decisive strike in the extra period, tapping in the game-winning goal to secure the fourth point for the home side. The final score marked a hard-fought contest that saw the lead change hands multiple times before the final horn.

Attendance for the event was recorded at 17,174 fans.

Period-by-Period Breakdown

The Ducks struck first in the opening frame when Cutter Gauthier scored on a snap shot. He was assisted by Jackson LaCombe and Leo Carlsson, giving Anaheim a 1-0 lead. Florida responded quickly to tie the game at 1-1.

Carter Verhaeghe scored a tip-in goal, receiving help from Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers took a brief lead in the third period, but the Ducks leveled the score before the third period ended.

In the second period, Anaheim retook the lead with another Cutter Gauthier goal. This second tally of the game came via a snap shot, with assists from Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson. The score stood at 2-1 Anaheim heading into the third.

The Panthers erased the deficit in the third period when Brad Marchand scored on a wrist shot, assisted by Lars Eller. This goal tied the game at 2-2, sending the teams to overtime.

Statistical Highlights

Cutter Gauthier was the offensive engine for the Ducks, finishing with two goals and one assist for a total of three points. Leo Carlsson was instrumental in the playmaking department, recording three assists to support Gauthier's scoring efforts. For the Panthers, Carter Verhaeghe scored the team's first goal, while Lars Eller provided the assist on Brad Marchand's equalizer.

Marchand finished with one point, and Eller also recorded one assist. The Panthers' top performer in terms of points was Brad Marchand with one, while Lars Eller had one assist.

Final Records

With the victory, the Anaheim Ducks improved their record to 2-0-0, accumulating four points in the standings. The Florida Panthers dropped to 1-0-2, also holding four points. The game concluded after five periods of play, with the Ducks maintaining their home advantage at Honda Center.

No further playoff context or series implications were provided in the official game statistics. The result stands as a 3-2 overtime victory for Anaheim over Florida.

Sources

ESPN