The Florida Panthers (5-5-0) are set to host the Anaheim Ducks (4-3-1) tonight at Amerant Bank Arena as part of their ongoing four-game homestand. The matchup is particularly intriguing since both teams share a history as expansion franchises.
In their last outing, the Panthers secured a decisive 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, showcasing a dominant performance. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky achieved a milestone by recording his 50th career shutout, stopping 17 shots. The Panthers took the lead with a breakaway goal by Sam Reinhart late in the first period, which ultimately secured the victory. Cole Schwindt, making his season debut, and A.J. Greer contributed additional goals in the third period, helping Florida to improve their home record to 4-1 and even their overall record to .500. However, the team will face challenges tonight with the absences of Brad Marchand due to personal reasons and Jonah Gadjovich because of an upper-body injury. Luke Kunin returns to the lineup, and Noah Gregor is also set to make his Panthers debut.
On the other side, the Ducks are wrapping up a five-game road trip that began in Chicago nine days prior. After an overtime loss to the Blackhawks, Anaheim bounced back with impressive victories over the Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins. However, they faced a setback last Saturday, losing 4-3 to the Tampa Bay Lightning after Anthony Cirelli scored a crucial power-play goal late in the game. Currently, Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry lead the Ducks in scoring, each amassing nine points.
Fans can catch all the action from Amerant Bank Arena starting at 7 p.m. ET, broadcasted on Scripps, Victory+, and KCOP-13, while local radio coverage is available on 560 WQAM and 106.3 ESPN.
As the teams prepare to meet, there’s a sense of anticipation surrounding the game. Florida aims to capitalize on their recent success, while Anaheim looks to regain momentum as they conclude their road trip. This matchup marks the first of two encounters between the teams this season, with the next game scheduled for November 4, 2025. Exciting hockey action is expected as both teams vie for an important win.