At one point in their history, the Florida Panthers may not have been featured prominently on national TV. Still, as a multi-time Stanley Cup champion with a roster full of stars, they drew the attention of TV executives. That’s why the Panthers will find themselves on ESPN and TNT 15 times in 2026-27, with some fun matchups on tap for fans coast to coast to tune in.
Florida opens 2026-27 season on NHL on ESPN
The healthy, retooled Panthers will kick off the 2026-27 NHL season with a clash against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on September 29. A week later, on their lengthy West Coast trip to begin the year, Florida will face the Los Angeles Kings on October 6.
To kick off November, the Panthers will be featured twice on ESPN over three days, first against the Columbus Blue Jackets (November 10) and then against the Detroit Red Wings (November 12). Fans who want to see more of Florida will have to wait until December 10, when they welcome Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins to town.
Early in 2027, the Panthers will hit the road to visit the Minnesota Wild on January 14, before traveling to Tampa Bay for a February 16 matchup against the Lightning. A few weeks later, ESPN will cover another meeting between the Penguins and Panthers, this time from Amerant Bank Arena on March 4. Then, to close out their appearances on the network, Florida will hit Broadway to face the New York Rangers on April 3.
Panthers will be featured on NHL on TNT six times
Florida’s first game on NHL on TNT takes place on November 4 at home against the Chicago Blackhawks, who hope to have Connor Bedard back from a shoulder injury by then. More than a month later, the club will be on the road at TD Garden in Boston to face the Bruins on December 15, another homecoming for Brad Marchand, who should be in mid-season form after a recent surgery delayed his ability to skate in training camp.
In the New Year, the Panthers will visit the iconic Madison Square Garden to face the Rangers on January 27. Then, to close out February, Florida will visit T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the 24th to face the Golden Knights in another rematch between the two clubs who faced off in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.
Towards the end of the season, the Panthers will travel across the state for another clash with their Atlantic Division rival, the Lightning, on March 23. As usual, these two should be duking it out for a top spot in the division, so these games are always worth more than just two points. Meanwhile, Florida’s final appearance on TNT, barring a playoff run, is on April 4 against the New Jersey Devils. Depending on where either team is in the standings, this could be a critical prime-time contest.
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