9 Must-Know Details About the 2025–2026 Florida Panthers Schedule

History will be made on opening night. The Panthers are raising their second Stanley Cup title banner on Monday, Oct. 7, when they face off against the Chicago Blackhawks. Expect chills, cheers and maybe a few tears as the Cats celebrate a season for the ages. If you only catch one home game this season, make it this one.

It’s more than a rematch. It’s a rivalry written in silver. On Nov. 22, the Edmonton Oilers return to Sunrise for the first time since the Panthers hoisted the Cup over their heads for the second straight year. You better believe the Oilers will be out for redemption, but the Cats won’t be backing down. Expect playoff energy, big hits and a crowd that’s loud from puck drop to final horn.

Will sparks fly? Probably.
Will emotions run high? Definitely.
Will the Cats remind Edmonton who runs the rink? Always.

Just in time for sweater weather (okay, Florida’s version of it) the Panthers will enjoy their longest homestand of the season with six straight games at Amerant Bank Arena. It’s the perfect stretch to plan a few group outings, scout the new roster additions and soak up the unbeatable vibes of hometown hockey.

Nothing pairs with peppermint mochas and family visits quite like Panthers hockey. This year’s festive matchups include back-to-back home games against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 27, the Washington Capitals on Dec. 29 and the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 30. That’s three games in four days! Consider it your official excuse to avoid awkward small talk and stick to screaming about icing calls instead.

Few things get Panthers fans more fired up than a showdown with the Bolts. This season brings four regular-season matchups against the in-state rivals, including two at home on Nov. 15 and Dec. 27. Whether you’re Team Panthers or caught in Lightning territory, these games never disappoint.

The NHL is pressing pause for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, meaning no Panthers games for 20 straight days in February. It’s a bittersweet break — sad for fans but exciting for players representing their countries. On the bright side, it’s the perfect time for a little midseason staycation in Greater Fort Lauderdale (pool deck optional, Panthers jersey mandatory).

Mark your calendars for a warm homecoming on Jan. 27, when two of last season’s Stanley Cup heroes, Nate Schmidt and Vitek Vanecek, return to Sunrise wearing Utah’s new team colors. It’ll be strange seeing them on the other side of the puck, but the love from Cats fans? That never fades.

If you’re all about the weekend home games, you’re in luck. This season, 24 of the Panthers home matchups fall on fan-favorite days: nine on Thursdays, four on Fridays, nine on Saturdays and two on Sundays. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an unforgettable night out, there’s a perfect game waiting for your crew.

Even when the Panthers hit the road, the energy stays strong in Greater Fort Lauderdale. With seven extended road trips on the schedule, there’s plenty of chances to throw on your jersey and head to your favorite local sports bar to catch a game. Spots like Bokampers and Quarterdeck bring the big screens, cold drinks and Cats pride in full force. Whether it’s a Saturday matchup or a midweek showdown, you’ll find plenty of fans ready to cheer alongside you.