<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> will square off against NY Rangers in the&nbsp;2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic. Here’s everything you need to know, including the date, tip-off time, and streaming details for viewers in the United States.



The NHL Winter Classic returns with its signature outdoor spectacle, and this year’s edition features two clubs searching for momentum as the season reaches a critical stretch. The Florida Panthers enter the matchup at 21-15-3 (45 points), holding fifth place and within striking distance of the Atlantic Division-leading Red Wings.



On the other hand, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> arrive at 19-18-5 (43 points), stuck near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and in urgent need of a turnaround. With standings pressure on both sides and the spotlight of a marquee event, this outdoor showdown has all the ingredients of a high-stakes, can’t-miss clash.



<h2>When will the Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers match be played?</h2>



Florida Panthers play against NY Rangers this&nbsp;Friday, January 2, for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic. The game is set to kick off at&nbsp;8:00 PM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555002_Igor-Shesterkin-of-the-New-York-Rangers_0c17d0ff.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555024"></figure><figcaption>Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers – Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


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<h2>Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET:&nbsp;8:00 PM CT:&nbsp;7:00 PM MT:&nbsp;6:00 PM PT:&nbsp;5:00 PM



<h2>How to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers in the USA</h2>



Get ready for this&nbsp;2026 NHL clash between&nbsp;Florida Panthers and NY Rangers.&nbsp;Catch every thrilling moment of the action in the USA on: TNT, HBO Max, and truTV.

Where to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers live in the USA: 2026 NHL Winter Classic

Where to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers live in the USA: 2026 NHL Winter Classic - Bolavip US

Ice and palm trees rarely share the same stage, but Miami once again becomes the setting for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s most unconventional outdoor game. As the Panthers and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> prepare to face off, all eyes drift upward as much as toward the ice.



Weather has always been part of the Winter Classic storyline, and this edition is no different. Warm air, shifting clouds and coastal conditions add an unpredictable layer to a game built on tradition and spectacle.



With a retractable-roof venue and subtropical surroundings, the elements play a quiet but important role in shaping the day. How Miami responds sets the backdrop for a Winter Classic unlike any other in league history.



<h2>Sunshine and ice: Weather in Miami for the NHL Winter Classic</h2>



Miami’s reputation as a sun-soaked escape takes on a curious twist today as the 2026 NHL Winter Classic unfolds under skies that feel more like spring than winter. For this unique matchup between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> and New York Rangers at loanDepot Park, the forecast blends mild temperatures and clear conditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555055_loanDepot-Park-1_9b264812.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555058"></figure><figcaption>General view around LoanDepot park prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



On January 2, 2026, Miami is expected to see comfortable highs near 70–73°F (around 21–23°C) with lows dipping into the mid-50s (around 13–15°C) as the puck drops in the evening. There’s no significant rain in the forecast, creating an atmosphere that’s ideal for spectators but an unusual backdrop for an NHL outdoor contest.



This blend of warm air and chilled ice presents “a closest-to-outdoor feel” for players and fans alike, with NHL officials planning to open the stadium roof for game time. 



The subtropical setting highlights the event’s novelty: hockey under palm trees, where weather conditions are mild enough to play on real ice yet far from the winter conditions most associated with the sport.

What’s the weather in Miami today for the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic?

What's the weather in Miami today for the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The 2026 NHL Winter Classic is shaping up to be more than a hockey game. The outdoor showdown between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> blends sport, spectacle, and entertainment.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> continues to expand the scope of its marquee New Year’s event, music has become a central part of the experience. From pregame festivities to in-game performances, the Winter Classic now feels closer to a full-scale event.



This year’s edition leans heavily into that approach, pairing elite hockey with well-known musical acts. With national broadcasts and a historic setting, the entertainment lineup adds another layer to an already unprecedented classic.



<h2>Role Model will headline the 2026 NHL Winter Classic</h2>



Singer-songwriter Role Model headlines the entertainment for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, anchoring the music portion of the event throughout game day. The rising alt-pop artist is set to perform during the first intermission, giving fans inside loanDepot park a live show woven directly into the flow of the game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555019_Role-Model_06fea9b4.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555039"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



His presence extends beyond the ice. Earlier in the evening, he will open NHL on TNT’s on-site coverage with a performance at the official Winter Classic fan festival, held exclusively for ticket holders. The appearance ties the league’s broadcast presentation directly to the live event atmosphere in Miami.



The choice reflects the National Hockey League’s effort to connect with a younger and broader audience, blending contemporary music with one of its most tradition-driven showcases.



<h2>Luis Fonsi to open the event during the teams’ ceremonial walkout</h2>



The Winter Classic’s opening moments will feature Luis Fonsi, bringing international star power to the historic matchup. The Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist will perform during the teams’ ceremonial walk onto the field, setting the tone before puck drop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555019_Luis-Fonsi_9295aecb.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555042"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



Fonsi is expected to perform his global hit “Despacito”, a song that transcended language barriers and became one of the most recognizable tracks of the last decade. Its inclusion reflects Miami’s cultural identity and the league’s willingness to tailor the event to its host city.



With Role Model handling the in-game performance and Fonsi leading the opening ceremony, the 2026 Winter Classic continues the NHL’s evolution into a hybrid of sport and live entertainment—this time under palm trees instead of falling snow.

Which artists are performing at the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic?

Which artists are performing at the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic? - Bolavip US

Ice hockey rarely belongs under palm trees, which is exactly why the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic feels different from the start. Miami, better known for heat and color, suddenly becomes the backdrop for one of the league’s coldest traditions.



The decision wasn’t made on novelty alone. The NHL has spent years pushing beyond its traditional borders, testing how far the spectacle of outdoor hockey can travel while still honoring its roots.



Staging the Winter Classic in South Florida hints at a broader ambition—one tied to growth, visibility and redefining what a marquee hockey event can look like in a changing sports landscape.



<h2>Why the Winter Classic landed in Miami?</h2>



The NHL’s 2026 Winter Classic marks a bold departure from the usual frozen fields of northern cities. For the first time in league history, this New Year’s tradition ventures into South Florida—bringing regular-season outdoor hockey to a subtropical locale. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555001_loanDepot-Park_642a9ebc.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555006"></figure><figcaption>General view around LoanDepot park prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The decision underlines the NHL’s intent to broaden its footprint, tapping into markets where the sport has been steadily growing, both on and off the ice. Miami’s loanDepot Park, normally home to Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, was selected for practical reasons as much as symbolic ones. 



Its retractable roof and climate-controlled capabilities give the league greater control over ice quality, an essential factor when staging hockey in warmer weather. 


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By building and maintaining the rink with layered ice and advanced refrigeration, the NHL can deliver a high-level playing surface even in Florida’s mild January. Beyond logistics, this move reflects a larger narrative: hockey in Florida has shifted from niche to notable. 



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>’ sustained success, including deep playoff runs and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> contention, has helped fuel interest in the sport across the Sunshine State. Hosting a marquee event like the Winter Classic underscores how far the game’s local presence has come.

Why is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami?

Why is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami? - Bolavip US

The 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic has turned Miami’s loanDepot Park into a frozen arena under palm trees, where hockey’s tradition meets subtropical spectacle. This clash between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> and Panthers carries a buzz far beyond the scoreboard



A sold-out crowd filled the ballpark’s reconfigured bowl for this historic outdoor clash, marking Florida’s first Winter Classic in league history. Tickets vanished quickly as the NHL brought its marquee New Year’s tradition to the Sunshine State.



Fans packed into every seat ready to witness ice and heat collide, with a backdrop of Biscayne Bay and winter theatrics that defy expectation. The turnout reflects not just the popularity of the teams involved but hockey’s growing footprint in an unconventional market.



<h2>Attendance at the 2026 NHL Winter Classic</h2>



As the NHL brought its marquee New Year’s spectacle to loanDepot Park in Miami, the usual rhythm of Florida sports shifted into overdrive. The New York Rangers and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> have sold out the event, ensuring that hundreds of fans will be in attendance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_554936_NY-Rangers_3ad60db9.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554956"></figure><figcaption>The New York Rangers pose for a team photo prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For the first outdoor hockey game ever held in the Sunshine State, the stadium’s configuration for hockey allowed for roughly 35,000-plus fans to fill the seats, a notable turnout for a regular-season clash in such an unusual setting.



The crowd figure reflects more than just a sold-out event: it’s a sign of how deeply the Winter Classic tradition has gripped fans, even outside of the sport’s cold-weather heartland. 


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Outdoor NHL contests have historically drawn large audiences, averaging over 50,000 spectators per game across the event’s history, and Miami’s iteration continues that trend of raucous engagement despite the subtropical backdrop.



In an atmosphere framed by palm trees, retractable roofs and a spectacle that blends beach-town pageantry with winter nostalgia, the attendance figures do more than populate a box score. They suggest that the draw of outdoor hockey, and the rare chance to experience it live, remain powerful.

How many fans are attending the 2026 NHL Winter Classic between NY Rangers and Panthers today?

How many fans are attending the 2026 NHL Winter Classic between NY Rangers and Panthers today? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic always turns a regular-season matchup into a living postcard, where ice, history and spectacle collide. In 2026, that outdoor magic returns with two franchises ready to step into the cold carrying decades of identity on their sleeves.



For the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>, the spotlight isn’t only on the puck. The classic is as much about visual storytelling as it is about hockey, with uniforms designed to echo heritage, ambition and a sense of occasion.



As the teams prepare to share the same frozen stage, their jerseys hint at more than colors and crests. They frame the narrative of the day, blending nostalgia with modern edge and setting the tone before the first faceoff is even dropped.



<h2>What are the Rangers and Panthers wearing in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic?</h2>



The Panthers’ Winter Classic uniform takes a bold step into hockey’s past while anchoring itself firmly in South Florida culture. For their first-ever outdoor game, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/winter-classic-jerseys-nostalgic-flair-for-new-york-rangers-florida-panthers">Florida leaned into a vintage aesthetic</a>, reviving the original “leaping panther” crest from their early years. 



That classic emblem is reimagined here with felt and chain stitching, giving the sweater an aged texture more in line with sweaters from the 1920s than the 1990s. The color palette—dark crimson, navy blue and yellow—blends tradition with warmth and small design touches nod to local pride and history. 



Decorative chevrons in the stitching reference South Florida’s military heritage, and tucked into the rear hem loop is a tiny silhouette of a rat, a wink to the Panthers’ quirky, decades-long rat-throwing tradition after home wins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_554890_NY-Rangers-and-Panthers_5dc038e6.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554903"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



The Rangers brought a different sort of history to Miami. Riding the momentum of their Centennial season, the Blueshirts’ Winter Classic jersey is essentially a cream-colored evolution of their anniversary threads. Instead of the usual bold blue, this sweater opts for a lighter base, honoring the franchise’s traditional light jersey look.



Diagonal lettering reading “New York” replaces the typical squad name seen on their Centennial jerseys, and oversized stripes on the sleeves and hem echo the design language of the Rangers’ heritage kits. 



A quirky addition—the red apple logo with “NYR” embroidered on the shoulder—pays homage to one of the team’s historic emblems originally seen tucked on the hem of earlier celebratory jerseys.



It’s a uniform that feels both familiar and festive: rooted in the franchise’s long lineage while also tailored for a marquee outdoor stage. In a matchup that pits tradition against tradition, the Rangers’ Winter Classic look becomes part of the story as much as the game itself.

2026 NHL Winter Classic uniforms: What jerseys are the NY Rangers and Panthers wearing today?

2026 NHL Winter Classic uniforms: What jerseys are the NY Rangers and Panthers wearing today? - Bolavip US

As New York City gears up for the ball to drop in Times Square, the New York Rangers turn their focus to their first challenge of the new year: the 2026 NHL Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. On that note, the Rangers caught wind of the latest update on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew Tkachuk</a>.



Tkachuk finally made his long-awaited return to the ice, skating with the Panthers for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Though reports all season long pointed to the NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2 as the date for Tkachuk’s first game back in the lineup, head coach Paul Maurice has now offered a very cautious statement. Mike Sullivan and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> have surely listened carefully to it.



“As much as we like the spectacle of it and would love him to be part of it and it’d be great for the game to see him out there, the Florida Panthers need him healthy and need him for the rest of the year,” Maurice admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/he-s-worked-so-hard-tkachuk-returns-to-practice-in-no-contact-jersey">NHL.com</a>. “The player and the doctors will make the decision.”



Tkachuk’s last appearance in an NHL game was Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 17. Needless to say, his return when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida</a> takes on New York outdoors at loanDepot Park in Little Havana would be absolute cinema. However, as Maurice noted, the Panthers must do what’s best for them—not necessarily what’s best for the NHL and TV ratings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552904_sullivan_54e85b1c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-531164"></figure><figcaption>New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan looks on during an NHL game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>One less thing to worry for the Rangers</h2>



As for New York, if Tkachuk is sidelined during the Winter Classic, it would bring a big sigh of relief. Given the struggles the Rangers have had all season long in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, not having to worry about an energized Tkachuk wreaking havoc all over the ice in South Florida would be huge. 


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For the Panthers, on the other hand, reinserting Tkachuk into their stacked lineup would do wonders. Brad Marchand and company have held their ground during Tkachuk’s absence, but there are clear concerns about how much longer they can keep it up with injuries tearing through the locker room.



<h2>Back like Tkachuk never left</h2>



Though wearing a non-contact jersey as he joined his teammates in practice for the first time in months, Tkachuk did a great job of lifting the spirits around the room. Coming off a troubling 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, having an impossible-to-miss personality like Tkachuk’s back was huge for the Cats. 



“He hasn’t had a practice in six months, but he moved all right,” Maurice added. “Just his engagement with the players, you feel those guys are special players. Just great to see him skating. There’s a whole bunch of things he needs to get through [before he plays].”



As it stands, Tkachuk’s status for the NHL Winter Classic is still up in the air. However, if there is one thing Tkachuk is known for, it’s never mincing words. Moreover, when he wants something, he usually doesn’t stop until he achieves it. If he wants to be on the ice with his teammates on Jan. 2, not even Maurice and the team doctors may be able to turn him down. Thus, the Rangers must stay alert.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6951a5f0e2d53b59fb2f0718" data-title="Who will win the 2026 NHL Winter Classic?" data-options="2"></div>

NY Rangers hear revealing update by Panthers on Matthew Tkachuk’s status for 2026 Winter Classic

NY Rangers hear revealing update by Panthers on Matthew Tkachuk's status for 2026 Winter Classic - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It took a while, but the Cats are riding a big wave of momentum in the NHL. In addition to the festive vibes, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed a key teammate is set to return to the lineup, although it’s not Matthew Tkachuk.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> have been affected by a season-long injury bug. Watching star players go down like flies night in and night out, it was Marchand and company who kept the ship afloat. However, the 37-year-old can only take them so far in an 82-game NHL campaign. 



Though <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a>’s return is a little further down the road, the Cats are trending to welcome back one of the most exciting young players on the roster: Mackie Samoskevich.



“Maurice says he’s ‘hopeful’ that Samoskevich will be able to return for the game vs. Tampa after the [Christmas] break,” Panthers beat reporter Jameson Olive stated on X.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251224_BUS_550855_mackie-samoskevich_4f2e873e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-437901" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Mackie Samoskevich after the 2025v tanley Cup conquest</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tkachuk’s timeline</h2>



All season long, fans in Sunrise have wondered when Tkachuk was going to make his return to the ice. After undergoing surgery on a torn adductor and a sports hernia, everybody knew it would take a while for him to be back with the Panthers. Still, the prospect of playing in the southernmost Winter Classic in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> history at loanDepot Park in Miami has been enough to fuel Tkachuk’s recovery journey. 


 

 

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The timeline for him still stands at January 2, when the Panthers take on the New York Rangers outdoors in the elements—if playing in tropical Little Havana can even be called that. Tkachuk himself has recently issued an honest statement on how he feels heading into the home stretch of his post-surgery rehabilitation.



“I (expletive) feel great, Brady [Tkachuk]. Really, really good,” Matthew Tkachuk said during the latest episode of his podcast, Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. “I will be back with the team practicing probably right after Christmas, if things go as they’ve been going. I’m just following the doctors and trainers orders right now.”



<h2>Panthers are back in business</h2>



In the meantime, Marchand and the Panthers will vie to keep it rolling. After struggling to be consistent all season long, Florida is now 8-2-0 in its last 10 outings. 



Heading into the holidays break, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back Stanley Cup champions</a> are holding the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Considering they are missing Tkachuk, Barkov, Kulikov, Nosek, Schwindt, and Gadjovich, things could be much worse for the Cardiac Cats.

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Brad Marchand receives confirmation of Panthers star returning, but it's not Matthew Tkachuk - Bolavip US

Not Tkachuk: Marchand receives confirmation of Panthers star returning

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> didn’t mince words in a heated exchange with one former teammate in the NHL. During the Florida Panthers’ statement 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars, the veteran forward showed his true thoughts on a player he won the Stanley Cup with in 2011.



In many ways, Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand’s style of play show much resemblance. Perhaps, it’s the fact both were drafted and molded early in their careers by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>. The two were a part of the Stanley Cup-winning roster in Beantown in the 2010-11 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season. 



However, it looks like all love has now been lost between the two veterans. That was made clear after reports emerged of what Marchand said to Seguin during the game at the American Airlines Center in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-stars">Dallas</a>, Texas. 



“Feels like yesterday when you came into the league a little baby boy. You still act like a baby boy,” Marchand told Seguin, as reported by The Dallas Morning News’ Lia Assimakopoulos on X.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251214_BUS_545253_tyler-seguin_cb5b8b0e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-545274"></figure><figcaption>Tyler Seguin during his time with the Bruins</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Back on track</h2>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> desperately needed to turn the page after losing in embarrassing fashion to the Colorado Avalanche. Suffice to say, defeating Dallas 4-0 on the road provided just what Florida hoped—and more. 


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Though it’s been far from an ideal season, the Panthers have now won four of their last five outings. They will hope to ride the wave of momentum as the Cats return to the Sunshine State, but to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena in the Big Guava.



Florida must turn the tide, though. The Panthers have struggled against the Atlantic Division so far in the 2025-26 NHL campaign, recording a 2-4-0 mark against divisional foes. Moreover, the Bolts defeated the Cats 3-1 in the first ‘Battle of Florida’ of the season. In more ways than one, the reigning Stanley Cup champions have some ground to make up.

NHL News: Brad Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster

NHL News: Brad Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster - Bolavip US

Marchand fires candid shot at former teammate on Stanley Cup-winning roster

Needless to say, the 2025-26 NHL season has put <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers to the test. While there is still plenty of hockey left to be played, the reigning champions are currently under duress. Hoping to spark hope into the locker room, a three-time Stanley Cup champ is back with his teammates, as Matthew Tkachuk is making encouraging progress of his own.



With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> mired in a three-game losing streak, Marchand and the rest of the team are in much need for a morale and confidence injection. That may just come in the form of Carter Verhaeghe, who is back on the lineup after a one-game leave of absence.



According to Panthers reporter Jameson Olive, Verhaeghe will be back on the lineup when the Cats take on the Nashville Predators at home. Verheaghe missed Florida’s last outing as him and his wife, Casey, welcomed their firstborn, Rory. Perhaps, the new father on the team can help turn the tide for Marchand and the Panthers in what’s been a stressful <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> campaign.



<h2>Verhaeghe is back: Panthers’ updated forward lines</h2>



With the key forward back on the lineup, the Panthers now feature a lineup that looks more familiar. Verhaeghe’s return will be on the third line, joining Sam Bennett and A.J. Greer. Rookie Jack Devine will be coming out of the lineup, making room for ‘Swaggy’. So far in the season—and his NHL career—the former seventh-round pick has appeared in six games, registering no points and a plus/minus of -3.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539237_carter-verhaeghe_a33bbd4c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-539259"></figure><figcaption>Carter Verhaeghe is back after welcoming his first child</figcaption></figure>



The top unit will feature Brad Marchand, Anton Lundell, and Mackie Samoskevich, as Eetu Luostarinen has yet to be cleared to play after suffering burns in a home incident involving a barbecue. The second line will feature: Jesper Boqvist, Evan Rodrigues, and Sam Reinhart. Last but not least, the fourth line will include Noah Gregor, Luke Kunin, and Jack Studnicka.


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<h2>Updates on Tkachuk</h2>



Still, the Panthers are a long ways from truly looking like themselves. It seems that as long as Aleksander Barkov, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew Tkachuk</a>, Eetu Luostarinen, Tomas Nosek, and Jonah Gadjovich remain sidelined, these Cats will always look a gear off. If there’s a silver lining, it’s the fact that Tkachuk is back on the ice—though it’s usually in fits and starts, not consistently. 



According to several reports, his timetable for return is still set for late December. After a challenging semester, there may be nothing Marchand and company would like more than to find a fully healthy Tkachuk underneath the Christmas tree. One thing seems clear: the face of the franchise will do everything he can to be on the ice on January 2, when the Cats face off against the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park in Little Havana.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6931e740e2d53b59fb2f0447" data-title="Will Florida make the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs?" data-options="2"></div>

Brad Marchand recovers key Panthers teammate at critical point while Matthew Tkachuk also nears return

NHL News: Brad Marchand star teammate drops blunt wake-up call for Panthers after rough loss to Maple Leafs

Brad Marchand recovers key Panthers teammate at critical point while Matthew Tkachuk also nears return - Bolavip US

Marchand recovers key Panthers teammate at critical point while Tkachuk also nears return

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers simply can’t climb out of the losing pit they find themselves in. With morale slowly—but steadily—trending downward, head coach Paul Maurice’s hand won’t tremble to make abrupt decisions in the 2025-26 NHL season. Now, one of the most experienced players on the roster will serve as a healthy scratch.



Coming into the NHL campaign, Marchand the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> knew they were in for a rollercoaster of a year. If the offseason had been chaotic, the regular season would be a whole different beast.



With that in mind, the organization rolled the dice on veteran defenseman Jeff Petry. However, only 25 games into the season, the decision seems to have backfired. Petry hasn’t had the production <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice">Maurice</a> and company expected, so he is now being taken out of the lineup.



<h2>Panthers making changes to the lineup</h2>



As reported by NHL.com’s George Richards, Petry will not be on the lineup as the Panthers gear up to host the Nashville Predators. With no injuries, setbacks, or further explanations given for the decision, all signs indicate the 37-year-old blueliner (who turns 38 on December 9th) will serve as a healthy scratch. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539087_jeff-petry_6a32a9ad.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-539119"></figure><figcaption>Jeff Petry #2 of the Florida Panthers</figcaption></figure>



Donavan Sebrango will slot back into the lineup, filling the vacant spot alongside Uvis Balinskis on the third defensive pairing. The reactions all over social media indicate the fans approve of the lineup change. However, Sunrise will only be truly happy if it leads to the Cats snapping their current three-game losing streak. 


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<h2>Panthers must end the hex</h2>



Florida has dropped its last four home games at Amerant Bank Arena. The barn in Sunrise has seen another Stanley Cup championship banner rise to the rafters and a state-of-the-art jumbotron light up center ice for the 2025-26 campaign. However, the product on the ice has been far from meeting expectations. Though it’s still very early, the dreams of a three-peat in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> are beginning to feel like fantasy.



The Panthers may find a scapegoat in Petry—who has endured some very rough outings—but Marchand and the rest of the team know they hold the key to saving the season. They could go down the blaming road, pointing fingers at one another, or they can rally to get back on track. Whether that’s with Petry in or out of the lineup, all that matters is finding a way to right the ship—or better yet, the airboat in the Everglades.

NHL News: Brad Marchand veteran teammate punished by Paul Maurice, Panthers for disappointing season

NHL News: Brad Marchand veteran teammate punished by Paul Maurice, Panthers for disappointing season - Bolavip US

Marchand veteran teammate punished by Panthers for disappointing season

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers suffered yet another stumble in the 2025-26 NHL season. Following the 4-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at home, a key player on the roster made sure to remind his teammates that it will take a collective effort to climb out of their hole.



During Sam Reinhart’s 800th game in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, Marchand and the Panthers were found flat-footed when the Maple Leafs walked into Amerant Bank Arena. Florida can’t end their losing hex, falling in three straight home outings. Returning to Sunrise for a six-game homestand, the Cats hoped for much better results. Now, Reinhart issued a straightforward message for the team.



“There is some frustration, for sure,” Reinhart said, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/">NHL.com</a>. “A lot of things have gone right for us over the past few years, and that certainly adds to it. But we have been in this position before. It is going to be guys in the room and guys who are healthy who are going to bring us out of it.”



<h2>Reinhart provided the only beacon of hope</h2>



Aside from Reinhart’s milestone, the game against the Leafs was a night that offered little of note. Reinhart scored a shorthanded goal to cut Toronto’s lead in half at 2-1. However, that was all the scoring <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida</a> did all game. Far from putting the pressure on the visiting Buds, the Cats allowed two more goals to the Leafs. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251203_BUS_538313_sam-reinhart_3faa85a0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Sam Reinhart speaks to media" class="wp-image-500645" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Sam Reinhart in Hockey Canada’s 2025 National Teams Orientation Camp.</figcaption></figure>



It was yet another disheartening performance for the Panthers in the 2025-26 NHL season. Marchand didn’t have a good night against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Leafs</a> — nor did any player on Florida’s roster. The 37-year-old veteran was kept off the scoresheet, as his four-game point streak came to an end.


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<h2>Paul Maurice’s message</h2>



The Panthers are sensing the pressure. They may act as if nothing bothers them and be confident there is still a lot of hockey left to be played in the 2025-26 NHL season. Still, sooner or later, panic mode will invade the locker room if the losses keep piling up.



“In these situations, just staying with it is the most important thing. But we’ve got to get better. It’s finding that good feeling,” Paul Maurice admitted after the game. “Sometimes it’s not a whole game. You’ve just got to start with a period. I thought we did that tonight even though it felt bad.”



The Panthers must get back in the win column immediately. Having lost four of its last five games, Florida knows it cannot afford another defeat. The Cats must change the tune. Up next, the Panthers will close out their homestand with games against the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Islanders.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="69307519e2d53b59fb2f0419" data-title="Who will be the Panthers&apos; scoring leader this season?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Brad Marchand makes something clear to Panthers on their playoff chances amid rough season

Why do Florida Panthers fans throw rats after games?

NHL News: Brad Marchand star teammate drops blunt wake-up call for Panthers after rough loss to Maple Leafs - Bolavip US

Marchand star teammate drops blunt wake-up call for Panthers after rough loss to Leafs

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers have seen countless players go down with injuries in the 2025-26 NHL season. Thus, the Cats are leaving no stone unturned. Now, the reigning Stanley Cup champions have signed a veteran who knows what it takes to hoist Lord Stanley. However, he must first prove himself before making the roster in Sunrise.



As reported by Florida Hockey Now, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> have facilitated Robby Fabbri’s signing with their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Fabbri, who won the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> in 2019 with the St. Louis Blues, is now joining the Checkers on a tryout deal. If he wants to make it all the way back to the NHL, he must first impress the staff in Charlotte.



Needless to say, the 29-year-old forward is staring at a steep climb to return to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>. However, the way the season has gone for Marchand and Florida, any player on the Checkers could be bound for a shot in Sunrise, as the Panthers seem to lose key pieces almost on a routine basis. For Fabbri, it’s all about establishing himself in the minors, then fate can work its magic.



<h2>When did Fabbri last play in the NHL? His latest numbers</h2>



Fabbri made 44 appearances for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2024-25 NHL season. Registering 8 goals, 8 assists, and 16 points, the veteran center proved he can still be valuable. However, his physical struggles have been hard to overlook and a main reason for his long absence in the league.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251202_BUS_538052_robby-fabbri_7aadba74.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-538062"></figure><figcaption>Robby Fabbri with the Anaheim Ducks in the 2024-25 season</figcaption></figure>



In late-February, the Ducks placed Fabbri on Injured Reserve (IR) with an undisclosed injury. Since, he hasn’t played in an NHL game. Needless to say, the Panthers are currently in no position to commit to a player with as many setbacks as Fabbri has had in his career. According to data from Sports Forecaster, Fabbri has missed 145 games due to injuries since the 2020-21 NHL season.


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<h2>Fabbri is coming off failed tryout with Penguins</h2>



Coming into the NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins rolled the dice by signing the former first-round selection to a professional tryout contract (PTO). However, the organization in the City of Bridges went in a different direction, releasing him less than a month after signing him to the prove-it deal. 



Now, the Panthers are trying their luck — or at least evaluating whether Fabbri could be useful for their AHL affiliate and potentially serve as a depth player within the system.

NHL News: Brad Marchand’s Panthers sign Stanley Cup champion on potential last-chance deal

NHL News: Brad Marchand’s Panthers sign Stanley Cup champion on potential last-chance deal - Bolavip US

Marchand’s Panthers sign Stanley Cup champion on potential last-chance deal

Needless to say, the Florida Panthers haven’t gotten off to the start <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the rest of the team hoped for. However, there is still a lot of hockey left to be played in the 2025-26 NHL season. 



In case his age doesn’t indicate it, Marchand has been in more than one rodeo in his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career. The veteran made sure to remind his teammates and the Panthers fanbase of his experience as he delivered a cool, calm, and collected statement. With the Cats riding through some of their most challenging hours, Marchand’s words could provide just the right balance needed to right the ship.



“What are we, 25 games in? If you think your playoff dreams are done 25 games in, you’ve got bigger problems,” Brad Marchand commented on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a>’ production so far in the NHL season, as quoted by Jameson Olive of the team’s official website.



<h2>Where are the Panthers currently sitting in NHL standings?</h2>



Through 24 games in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Panthers have been characterized for their inconsistency. Clearly, missing Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk—along with other key players—has taken its toll on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit">reigning Stanley Cup champions</a>’ productivity night in and night out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1082" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251201_BUS_537592_brad-marchand-4_ab97b550.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1082" alt="Brad Marchand smiling" class="wp-image-532430"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand poses for a picture after recording his 1,000th NHL point</figcaption></figure>



As it stands, the Panthers are 12-11-1 on the season. Registering 25 points, Florida is tied for sixth place in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marchand and the Cats are currently four points behind a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. 


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<h2>How far back is Florida from a playoff spot?</h2>



At the time this article is being written, the Pittsburgh Penguins are in possession of the last wild card berth with 29 points. Moreover, the Montreal Canadiens sit third in the Atlantic Division with as many points. 



Thus, Florida is equally as far away from the “eighth seed” in the East than a divisional leader’s berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Still, with over 50 games left to be played in the NHL season, it seems pointless to be talking about the playoffs.



<h2>Marchand leads by example on and off the ice</h2>



Marchand’s latest comments only stated the obvious for the Cats and proved once again just how crucial a leader the 37-year-old is in Sunrise. Through 23 appearances so far this season, Marchand has registered 27 points (15G, 12A). Moreover, he has showcased his consistency in times when Florida needed it most. After his 11-game point streak came to an end, Marchand is back on one again—currently boasting a four-game streak.


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The Florida Panthers learn Brad Marchand’s true thoughts on their playoff chances

NHL News: Brad Marchand makes something clear to Panthers on their playoff chances amid rough season - Bolavip US

Marchand makes something clear to Panthers on their playoff chances

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>’ inconsistent start to the season took another disappointing turn on Wednesday night, falling 4–2 to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-flyers">Philadelphia Flyers</a>. What began as a composed effort under head coach Paul Maurice quickly unraveled into a missed opportunity, as Florida failed to secure even a single standing point. The defeat dropped the Panthers to 12-10-1 and renewed concerns about their struggle to maintain pressure in critical late-game situations.



Through the first forty minutes, Florida appeared poised for a different outcome. Strong puck movement, aggressive transition play, and steady forechecking allowed the Panthers to dictate tempo and build an early lead. However, the third period exposed familiar issues that have surfaced repeatedly this season — slower decisions, lost puck battles, and a costly lack of urgency against a Flyers team that refused to go away.



Addressing the media postgame, head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice">Paul Maurice</a> did not shy away from the critical moment that changed the game. “I thought we were slow with the puck [in the third period],” Maurice said via Panthers reporter Jameson Olive. 



He also added: “I think they got in on some pucks. We were just late to some loose pucks that were laying around, and they maintained that control.” His assessment captured the turning point of a night that slipped out of Florida’s hands.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Another for good measure! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PHIvsFLA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PHIvsFLA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoFlyers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoFlyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/qaYJjPc6JT">pic.twitter.com/qaYJjPc6JT</a>— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLFlyers/status/1993871578724171776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Panthers lose command of third period</h2>



Florida’s early control was evident when Sam Bennett drove toward the crease and connected with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> at 5:21 of the opening frame, giving the Panthers a 1–0 lead. 


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The strong start carried into the second, where Carter Verhaeghe — coming off a three-point night in Nashville — finished a clean multi-pass sequence set up by Bennett’s second primary assist of the night. But Philadelphia responded with pressure of its own, beginning with Emil Andrae’s point shot that cut the lead to 2–1 and shifted momentum.



<h2>Late breakdown hands Flyers the win</h2>



The third period saw the Panthers press but fail to break through, as Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar turned aside 25 of 27 Florida shots to steady his team. The decisive moment arrived with just 44.5 seconds remaining when Tyson Foerster’s rebound attempt deflected off Aaron Ekblad’s leg before he buried the loose puck for the game-winner. 


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<h2>What’s next for the Panthers?</h2>



With the Thanksgiving break now behind them, the Panthers will attempt to regroup quickly as they return to home ice Friday at 4 p.m. ET to host the Calgary Flames — a chance to reset puck pressure, sharpen tempo, and regain ground in a tightening Atlantic Division race.

NHL News: Paul Maurice sends strong message after Panthers’ costly third-period collapse vs Flyers

Leafs News: Auston Matthews sets record straight on injury hit with bold message to Bruins’ Nikita Zadorov

NHL News: Canucks HC Adam Foote makes his stance clear on ‘taming’ Quinn Hughes amid trade rumors

NHL News: Paul Maurice sends strong message after Panthers' costly third-period collapse vs Flyers - Bolavip US

Maurice sends strong message after Panthers' costly third-period collapse vs Flyers

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