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2h ago

Panthers Raise Second Cup Banner, Edge Blackhawks 3-2 to Open Title Defense

Short-handed Florida enters its title defense with a public bid for a rare three-peat.

Oct 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) controls the puck away from Los Angeles Kings left wing Kevin Fiala (22) during the second period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) celebrates scoring during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs (37) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) moves the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (44) during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

Overview

  • Jesper Boqvist batted in the winner with 10:20 left after assists from Mackie Samoskevich, following goals by A.J. Greer and Carter Verhaeghe.
  • Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 18 shots, while former Panther Spencer Knight made 34 saves for Chicago and received a video tribute in his return.
  • Florida controlled play early, outshooting the Blackhawks 17-3 in the first period and 37-19 overall on a nationally televised Opening Night.
  • The celebration capped a two-day honor roll, with a private ring ceremony Monday and the 2025 championship banner raised before puck drop Tuesday in Sunrise.
  • Florida is managing long absences for Aleksander Barkov (knee, seven to nine months) and Matthew Tkachuk (adductor, unlikely before December) as the three-peat quest begins.