The Florida Panthers, defending Stanley Cup champions, are set to face a difficult November schedule that can take a look at their mettle as they intention to keep up their place atop the Atlantic Division. With a file of 7-3-1, the Panthers have a goal on their backs as they enter a month crammed with high-profile matchups and worldwide play.
The Panthers kick off November by taking part within the 2024 NHL International Collection in Tampere, Finland. They’ll face the Dallas Stars, who’re at the moment second within the Central Division with a 7-2-0 file, in back-to-back video games on November 1 and a pair of at Nokia Area. This collection holds particular significance for Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who will play in his hometown. Barkov, who turned the primary Finnish-born NHL captain to win a Stanley Cup, grew up competing for Tappara Tampere, which now performs at Nokia Area.
Dallas and Florida are heavy favorites in keeping with on-line sportsbooks listed at Time2play, with mixture odds to win the Stanley Cup at +950 for the Stars and +1100 for the defending champion Panthers.
These video games are a part of the bigger NHL International Collection, which options three thrilling 2024-25 season elements. The collection consists of the International Collection Problem Germany, a preseason exhibition recreation in Munich, Germany; the International Collection Czechia, that includes regular-season video games in Prague; and the International Collection Finland, the place the Panthers will play.
These worldwide video games present a novel alternative for European followers to expertise NHL hockey stay and for gamers to showcase their expertise on a world stage. The collection additionally helps to develop the game’s recognition in Europe and provides gamers with European roots an opportunity to play in entrance of their house crowds.
November Dwelling Stand
After getting back from Finland, the Panthers will take pleasure in a six-game homestand at Amerant Financial institution Area. The spotlight of this stretch will likely be back-to-back house video games towards the New Jersey Devils on November 14 and 16. The Devils have been taking part in some impressed hockey to begin the season. Middle Nico Hischier leads all objective scorers heading into November with 10, and the Devils sit on the high of the Metropolitan Division. Count on an actual struggle between the 2 groups, as back-to-back video games are inclined to convey out aggressive hearth in groups.
Difficult Collection In opposition to the Jets
The Panthers will face a difficult collection towards the Winnipeg Jets because the month progresses. The Jets have had an spectacular begin to the season, and the Panthers should be at their finest to beat them. The primary matchup is scheduled for November 16 at house, adopted by an away recreation in Winnipeg on November 24. These video games will take a look at the Panthers’ capacity to adapt and carry out towards a high-flying Jets offense led by the formidable trio of Vilardi, Connor, and Scheifele.
The Jets have gained 4 of the final 5 conferences, together with a 3-0 victory final November, wherein Nikolaj Ehlers scored a standout objective. The Panthers will likely be eager to reverse this pattern and show their mettle as defending champions.
Closing Out November
The Panthers will shut out November with a home-and-away collection towards the Carolina Hurricanes, their third back-to-back video games towards a single opponent within the month. They’ll host the Hurricanes on November 29 earlier than touring to North Carolina for a recreation on November 30. This back-to-back set will problem the Panthers’ endurance and depth as they face a perennially sturdy Hurricanes group
Defending Champions’ Challenges
As defending Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers know they’ve change into the group to beat. Head coach Paul Maurice, who not too long ago signed a contract extension, might want to rally his troops and deal with the inconsistencies which have led to some stunning losses early within the season, together with a 5-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild.
The Panthers’ November schedule presents each alternatives and challenges. Whereas they could be favored in lots of of those matchups, the group should elevate their recreation to match the depth of opponents wanting to take down the reigning champions. The worldwide expertise in Finland, the essential divisional matchups, and the checks towards sturdy Western Convention groups will all play a job in shaping the Panthers’ season as they appear to defend their title.
Because the Panthers navigate this demanding month, they need to draw upon the resilience and dedication that led them to Stanley Cup glory final season. With a mixture of house and away video games, together with high-profile matchups and potential playoff previews, November will likely be a defining month for the Florida Panthers as they search to show they’re nonetheless the group to beat within the NHL.