Panthers vs Hurricanes NHL prediction: Hockey champions collide

Forget easing gently back into hockey. The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes open their NHL preseasons against each other on Sunday – and these two teams have lifted the last three Stanley Cups between them.

Florida won back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025 before missing last season’s playoffs. Carolina then took the crown in 2026 and returns with much of its championship roster intact. It’s only preseason, but neither team lacks a point to prove.

When is Panthers vs Hurricanes?

The Carolina Hurricanes visit the Florida Panthers on Sunday, September 20, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET in Florida.

It is the first preseason game for both teams and the opening half of a home-and-home series. Florida travels to Carolina for the return game on September 22. The matchup and start time are confirmed on the official NHL preseason schedule.

What could decide Panthers vs Hurricanes?

The first clue will come from the lineup sheet. Carolina entered camp with 47 players split across two groups, while Florida opened with a 51-player roster. Both coaches have plenty of prospects, veterans and goaltenders to rotate.

Carolina also has a shorter runway than usual. The defending champion gets only three practice days before Sunday’s game, compared with five before last year’s preseason opener. With the exhibition schedule reduced to four games, every shift carries a little more weight for players fighting for a roster spot.

Goaltending could be particularly revealing. Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to form Carolina’s main partnership after Frederik Andersen’s departure, but Kochetkov was limited to eight starts last season. Sunday could offer an early look at how those minutes will be divided.

Latest Hurricanes and Panthers team news

Carolina will be without Seth Jarvis, its leading goal scorer from last season. The 24-year-old is recovering from shoulder surgery and is not expected back before late October at the earliest. Bradly Nadeau is among the younger players competing for a larger role in his absence.

Florida also begins camp without Brad Marchand at full strength. The veteran winger underwent surgery after an injury-hit season and is expected to return early in the regular season, making him unlikely to feature in Sunday’s preseason opener.

Neither team has confirmed its game roster or starting goaltender. Those announcements could substantially change how the matchup looks before puck drop.

What does the OG.com market show?

There is almost nothing between them. As of September 17, OG.com Panthers vs Hurricanes market gave the Florida Panthers a 75% implied probability of winning, compared with 74% for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Market data as of September 17. Visit OG.com for the latest probabilities.

Those figures don’t add up to 100% because they come from separate contracts, each with its own trading activity and liquidity. They show an extremely tight market. 

Probabilities could move when the game rosters and starting goaltenders are confirmed. Check the latest prices, rules, fees, closing time and settlement details before opening a position

FAQs about the Panthers vs Hurricanes preseason game

What time is Panthers vs Hurricanes?

The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 20.

Where is Panthers vs Hurricanes being played?

The game will take place in Florida.

Where can you watch Panthers vs Hurricanes?

All four Carolina preseason games are scheduled to stream free on the Hurricanes website. Florida’s preseason games will also be shown by South Florida Scripps stations and Panthers Plus.

Is Seth Jarvis playing against the Panthers?

No. Jarvis is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

Can you trade Panthers vs Hurricanes on OG.com?

Yes. OG.com offers event contracts on the winner of Panthers vs Hurricanes. Check the market page for the latest probabilities and trading times.