Ryan O’Hara · The Hockey News - Los Angeles Kings Sun, November 8, 2026 at 8:47 AM UTC · 2 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierre-Luc Dubois had the finishing touch Washington needed on Saturday night.
The former Los Angeles Kings forward scored the eventual game-winning goal in the third period, helping the Washington Capitals erase an early deficit and defeat the Florida Panthers 4-3 at Capital One Arena.
Dubois, who spent the 2023-24 season with Los Angeles, finished with a goal and an assist as Washington rallied from a 2-1 hole. His goal came at 4:42 of the third period, giving the Capitals some much-needed breathing room at 4-2.
The play featured a little chemistry with teammate Aliaksei Protas. After Protas found him with a pass, Dubois reached around Florida goaltender Akira Schmid and managed to slide the puck across the goal line.
It was a timely contribution from a player who knows what it takes to produce in big moments. Dubois finished his lone season with the Kings in 2023-24 with 16 goals and 24 assists across 82 regular-season games, adding one goal in five playoff appearances.
Washington needed the production, too. The Capitals had dropped their previous two games, both at home, before Saturday's matchup.
The afternoon didn't begin smoothly for them. Jack St. Ivany opened the scoring with his first NHL goal, but Florida's Brady Tkachuk answered with two first-period goals to put the Panthers ahead 2-1. Matthew Tkachuk assisted on both, giving the brothers four combined points in the opening period.
Alex Tuch pulled Washington even in the second period before Protas put the Capitals ahead 3-2 with a goal assisted by Dubois.
Dubois then delivered the decisive blow in the third.
Sam Bennett brought Florida within one with 47 seconds remaining, but Washington held on to secure the 4-3 victory. Logan Thompson finished with 27 saves for the Capitals.
For Dubois, it was a productive night against a Panthers team that had no shortage of offensive firepower. His goal ultimately proved to be the difference, giving Washington a much-needed win and adding another contribution to his first season with the Capitals.
Source: Sports
