Top 5 Florida Panthers games to watch out for during 2024-25 NHL season

The 2024-25 NHL season promises to be loaded with action for Florida Panthers fans as the Cats march toward defending the club's first-ever Stanley Cup crown. While the non-stop action will thrill fans, five games stand out as the most significant on the Panthers' season schedule.

Top 5 Florida Panthers games to watch in 2024-25

#5: vs Edmonton Oilers

The Florida Panthers will face the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup final. The game will take place in Edmonton on Dec. 16, marking the first time since the Cats defeated the Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series.

Plus, the game figures to be a great matchup between two exciting teams. So, there’s plenty of reason to catch this must-see matchup.

#4: vs Utah Hockey Club

Florida fans will have to wait until Mar. 28, 2025, to glimpse the NHL’s newest franchise on home ice. The Utah Hockey Club will visit the Cats in Sunrise, Florida. While the two clubs will meet earlier in the season on Jan. 8, this game will be the only time during the 2024-25 season the two teams will face off in Florida.

#3: vs Tampa Bay Lightning

The Cats will be in Tampa Bay to close out the season against the Lightning on Apr. 15 next year. This tilt should prove interesting, as it will be the final game before the playoffs begin. The Panthers should have already clinched a playoff spot by then. However, the Bolts may still be looking to fight for a ticket to the postseason.

In addition, there is always jockeying for position in the standings. Last season, the Panthers won the Atlantic Division in the last game of their season. So, there’s plenty of reason to believe that the last game of the regular season could have a significant impact on the playoff picture.

#2: vs Dallas Stars

The Panthers will face the Dallas Stars in back-to-back matchups as part of the 2024 NHL Global Series on No. 1 and 2. The two teams will square off in Tampere, Finland. In addition to the top-quality action, the games will have special meaning for the Panthers’ captain, Aleksander Barkov, a native of Finland.

This special series should provide great hockey and plenty of fanfare as the local crowd gets to enjoy watching a hometown hero.

#1: vs Boston Bruins

On Oct. 8, the Panthers open the season at home against the Bruins. The Cats’ home opener will feature a pre-game ceremony in which the teams’ championship banner will be raised. Also, the pre-game festivities will honor the 2023-24 club that captured the team’s first-ever Stanley Cup.

Besides the great hockey, this game will have special meaning as it kicks off the Panthers’ season as defending Cup champions.