The Florida Panthers wrapped up their four-game homestand with just two wins, but still managed to earn points in three of those contests.
Sergei Bobrovsky started against the Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3 L), Vegas Golden Knights (3-0 W), and Dallas Stars (4-3 SO W), while Daniil Tarasov faced the Anaheim Ducks (3-2 SO L). Sam Reinhart scored in each of those contests.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Cats hosted a special night against the Dallas Stars, collaborating with the Palm Beach Zoo and other non-profit organizations supporting the survival and conservation of the state’s endangered animals, the Panthers. Off the ice, fans enjoyed exhibitions, custom merchandise, and an auction of the 2025 Panther Conservation jerseys.
After three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and back-to-back victory parades, the Cats are in a new, unknown place. While the core is strong on paper, the reality hit the team with injuries, prompting a modification. The coaching staff must constantly be on point to juggle the lines.
One of the hardest-fighting players out there, Brad Marchand, missed the game against the Ducks for personal reasons. While his absence affected the Panthers’ overall performance—they lost 3-2 in a shootout—he showed what a big heart he has. Marchand took on coaching responsibilities for the 18U team in his hometown in Nova Scotia to support his longtime trainer and the team’s head coach, J.P. MacCallum, during a period of grief following a family loss. The 37-year-old veteran was back in the Panthers’ lineup on Saturday. The situation also showed how sensitive and understanding the organization is.
Saturday Night
Before arriving in Sunrise, the Dallas Stars had a reasonably good game against the Lightning in Tampa on Thursday, losing 2-1 in overtime. The visiting team moved well, won over 58% of faceoffs, finished forechecks, but failed to produce enough scoring chances. The defensive play wasn’t reliable. Jake Oettinger, who has started in nine games with five wins and one shutout, looked confident. The Stars coaching staff made a few minor changes before facing the Panthers, including starting with backup goalie Casey DeSmith on Saturday. At Amerant Bank Arena, the Stars focused more on the little defensive details. It worked in the first period, as neither team allowed a goal.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice said quite a few times that leaders need to step up. It doesn’t only mean getting individual points. While Jonah Gadjovich is out for a week, someone needs to build on the team’s physical presence. Gadjovich has 30 hits under his belt.
The Panthers demonstrated a great team effort on Saturday. A.J. Greer had eight hits in 12 shifts against the Stars. Marchand knows how to be an inspiration for his loved ones and a threat to the opposition. He opened the scoring at the start of the second period. In less than four minutes, Reinhart made it 2-0. Sam Bennett contributed in the third. So, it was evening when the leaders spoke their piece. According to the 2025-2026 NHL Shootout Report, Marchand is now seventh in the league among skaters with one successful execution. On Saturday, his penalty shot sealed a 4-3 win.
Reinhart can be easily nominated for the King of Goalie Screening Award. While it doesn’t exist, his contribution and ability to work in front of the net and bug goalies are incredible. Reinhart only has seven points (six goals) and a -3 plus/minus rating this season, yet his role is crucial.
Road Trip
As the rollercoaster season continues, the Cats find ways to stay afloat without digging themselves into deeper troubles. The reigning champions are 6-5-1 in 12 games and back in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Panthers have a four-game road trip ahead, visiting all three California clubs and finishing in Vegas. The NHL Road Report shows one win and four losses with 8-18 in goals in five away contests. The special teams stats aren’t great either: 9.1% PP and 77.3% PK. With such an intense schedule and roster limitations, the Panthers don’t have time to fix all issues at once.
At home, the back-to-back champions had a confident 3-0 win against the Golden Knights and a 3-2 shootout loss against the Ducks. Both Western Conference rivals are ranked much lower than the Panthers (#3) in their territories: Vegas is #18 and Anaheim is #27.
The Panthers won’t be back home until Nov. 11.