FORT LAUDERDALE – The final push begins now.
With a record of 29-25-3, the Florida Panthers (61 points) are eight points behind the Boston Bruins (69 points) for the wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
With only 25 games remaining, every game counts.
“We’re running a much tougher race than last year at this point,” head coach Paul Maurice said Saturday after team practice at the Baptist Health Iceplex.
The Panthers will have a chance to recover after the break.
The Panthers, who host two divisional opponents, both competing for a spot in the playoff race, will face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Amerant Bank Arena on Thursday, before taking on the Buffalo Sabers 24 hours later on Friday.
To see what’s happening around the Territory this week and beyond, continue below.
game
Thursday, February 26: vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7:00 p.m. ET
TV and Streaming: WSFL, WHDT, WFTX, PanthersPlus.TV Radio: 560 WQAM-AM (Dade/Broward); 106.3 WESP-FM (Palm Beach); 100.3 WCTH (Florida Keys); 101.7 WCZR (Treasure Coast); Panthers GameDay App; SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Channel 91/SiriusXM App & Streaming 931 tickets: Click here
Friday, February 27: vs. Buffalo Sabers – 7:00 PM ET
TV and Streaming: WSFL, WHDT, WFTX, PanthersPlus.TV Radio: 104.3 WQAM-FM/560 WQAM-AM (Dade/Broward). 106.3 WESP-Fm (Palm Beach); 100.3 Wcth (Florida Keys); 101.7 WCZR (Treasure Coast); Panthers GameDay App; SiriusXM 219/App & Streaming 931 Tickets: Click Here
Bring the hardware home
Seven Panthers returned home from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics with a little extra weight in their suitcases.
A 2-1 win over Canada on Sunday gave Matthew Tkachuk and the United States the gold medal, while Canada’s Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart won the silver medal.
“It was really awesome, especially being able to watch the game with everyone,” Macky Samoskevic said of watching the gold medal match before team practice on Sunday. “It was definitely a lot of fun rooting for the boys over there.”
On Saturday, Anton Lundell, Etu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola defeated Slovakia 6-1 to give Finland the bronze medal.
On the ice, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito and Head Equipment Manager Teddy Richards served on the American staff, while assistant coach Tuomo Luutu served on the Finnish coaching staff.
Click here for more information.
Latest injury information
The Panthers could have some players back in the lineup for the playoffs.
During Saturday’s practice, defenseman Dmitry Kulikov and forwards Jonah Gajovic and Tomas Nosek skated with the main group in yellow non-contact jerseys.
“It’s good to see them making progress in their rehab,” Evan Rodriguez said. “Two big parts of our team are back and hopefully we can see them in action in some games in the near future.”
Nosek, who was a big part of the Panthers’ penalty kill and fourth line during their Stanley Cup run, has yet to take the ice this season due to a lower-body injury sustained in the offseason.
Both suffered upper-body injuries in the first month of the season, but Kulikov posted 13 points (4G, 9A) and a plus-minus rating of +12 last season, while Gajovic had 3 points (3A), 30 hits, and a +2 plus-minus rating this season before his injury.
Click here for more information on injury updates.
Learn hockey, skate and curl
Have you ever wanted to learn how to play hockey, skate or curl?
Now you can!
Learn to skate, hockey, curl, and more at the Baptist Health IcePlex and Florida Panthers IceDen.
Suitable for all ages and skill levels!
Click here for more information.
AVIS sweepstakes
Don’t miss your chance to win the ultimate Panther Prize!
Enter your Avis Preferred number for a chance to win one of three prizes: a Tkachuk USA jersey, 7 days of free Avis rental, or a PS5 with NHL ’26.
Sweepstakes runs until March 16, 2026.
Click here to enter.
group ticket package
Get tickets for the whole group!
Check out some of the upcoming group nights at Amerant Bank Arena.
Click here to see all group ticket packages.
secure single game tickets
10 home games left!
Don’t miss the remaining regular season games at Amerant Bank Arena as the Panthers push toward the playoffs.
Click here to purchase tickets.
stream panthers hockey
Whether you’re on the couch or on the go, you’ll never miss a moment.
Currently, fans can subscribe to a half season pass for just $39.99.
Subscribe today to receive access to every Panthers game produced locally by Scripps Sports this season, as well as pregame coverage for every game broadcast nationally on iOS, Android and other platforms.
Additional content includes replays, interviews, video series, and more.
For more information, please visit PanthersPlus.Tv.
game day app
The Panthers GameDay app has everything you need to know!
Currently, non-Territory members can enjoy a 5% discount on food and drinks when they use the app during games and events at Amerant Bank Arena.
The app also includes special partner offers, articles, videos, box scores, and more.
Click here to download the Panthers GameDay app.
This week’s cat clip
Join Sam Bennett on this month’s newest BMW Teammate!
