Florida Panthers regular season schedule release: Stanley Cup defense key home dates
The NHL schedule dropped July 16, and the two-time defending champion Panthers open the season Oct. 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks. The banner ceremony will kick off a three-game homestand, which continues against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 9 and the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 11.
The biggest event of the season will be the 2026 Winter Classic on Jan. 2 against the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. It's the first time the NHL's signature outdoor event will come to the Sunshine State (the Tampa Bay Lightning will host a Stadium Series game in February).
Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett and trade-deadline acquisition Brad Marchand led the Panthers to a second consecutive Stanley Cup title in June over Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Florida will host the first rematch Nov. 22 before heading back to Edmonton on March 19.
The regular season ends with two home games April 13 vs. the Rangers and April 15 against the Detroit Red Wings. There will be a 20-day off period in February as NHL players take part in the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Florida Panthers schedule 2026
Here's a look at the home slate for the Florida Panthers in the 2025-26 season. All times Eastern:
Oct. 7: Chicago | 5 p.m. | ESPN
Oct. 9: Philadelphia | 7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Ottawa | 7 p.m.
Oct. 23: Pittsburgh | 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: Vegas | 6 p.m.
Oct. 28: Anaheim | 7 p.m.
Nov. 1: Dallas | 6 p.m.
Nov. 13: Washington | 7 p.m.
Nov. 15: Tampa Bay | 6 p.m.
Nov. 17: Vancouver | 7 p.m.
Nov. 20: New Jersey | 7 p.m.
Nov. 22: Edmonton | 7 p.m.
Nov. 26: Philadelphia | 7 p.m.
Nov. 28: Calgary | 4 p.m.
Dec. 2: Toronto | 7 p.m.
Dec. 4: Nashville | 7 p.m.
Dec. 6: Columbus | 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: NY Islanders | 5 p.m.
Dec. 17: Los Angeles | 7 p.m.
Dec. 19: Carolina | 7 p.m.
Dec. 20: St. Louis | 6 p.m.
Dec. 27: Tampa Bay | 7 p.m.
Dec. 29: Washington | 7 p.m.
Dec. 30: Montreal | 7 p.m.
Jan. 2: NY Rangers at LoanDepot Park | 8 p.m. | TNT
Jan. 4: Colorado | 5 p.m.
Jan. 19: San Jose | 7 p.m.
Jan. 27: Utah | 7 p.m.
Jan. 31: Winnipeg | 4 p.m.
Feb. 2: Buffalo | 7 p.m.
Feb. 4: Boston | 7 p.m.
Feb. 26: Toronto | 7 p.m.
Feb. 27: Buffalo | 7 p.m.
March 10: Detroit | 7 p.m.
March 12: Columbus | 7 p.m.
March 24: Seattle | 7 p.m.
March 26: Minnesota | 7 p.m.
March 31: Ottawa | 7 p.m.
April 2: Boston | 7 p.m.
April 13: NY Rangers | 7 p.m.
April 15: Detroit | 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida Panthers schedule 2025 released for 2026 NHL season
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