The Florida Panthers open their home season on Thursday night against the San Jose Sharks, looking to build on a 1-0 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. The Panthers’ biggest offseason move was acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators, setting up a reunion with his brother Matthew Tkachuk on the ice.
The Panthers aim to rebound after missing the playoffs last season despite winning consecutive Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025. They finished seventh in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference with 84 points, a surprising drop for the defending champions. The addition of Brady Tkachuk is seen as a step toward returning to form, with the brothers expected to provide a boost in both offense and physical presence.
Florida’s season opener against San Jose begins at 10:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on NBC Sports California, with live streaming available on Fubo. The Sharks finished fifth in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Western Conference last season, falling short of the playoffs but improving significantly from their league-low 52 points in 2024-25 to 86 points in 2025-26. They posted a 2-2 record in the preseason.
The Panthers’ recent win over Carolina came in overtime, showing early signs of resilience despite the team’s struggles last year. Matthew and Brady Tkachuk both contributed to the celebration after the game, highlighting the potential impact of the new brotherly pairing.
San Jose’s progress from a low point last season will be tested on the road against the defending champions. The Sharks’ improvement suggests they could be a tougher opponent than many expect. Their performance in the season opener will offer an early indication of how far they have come since their last-place finish two years ago.
Fans can follow the Panthers versus Sharks game live via Fubo, which offers a free trial and access to a wide range of sports and entertainment channels. The platform carries national networks like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, and FS1, as well as local sports packages.
Thursday’s matchup promises an engaging contest between a team looking to reclaim championship form and a club aiming to continue its upward trajectory. The Panthers’ home opener will be the first chance to see Brady Tkachuk skating alongside Matthew in an official game for Florida, a storyline that adds intrigue to an already compelling NHL season start.
According to Yahoo Sports.