Are Florida Panthers unlucky when it comes to NHL schedules? Stanley Cup-winning team gets confusing fixture yet again
Two Stanley Cup rings in a row didn't give the Florida Panthers too much affection from the
NHL
's schedule geniuses. The complete 2025–26 NHL schedule was released Wednesday, and again, the Florida Panthers' road to the playoffs appears to have been plotted by someone who has never unfolded a map—or seen a Cup Final.
And that's only the start of the strangeness.
Florida Panthers to face 13 back-to-backs—and not the good kind
The Florida Panthers must make it through 13 consecutive sets this year. That's only one fewer than the previous year's count, which was boosted by the overseas journey to Finland. The Florida Panthers will play three home-based back-to-backs in December alone, a set of games that might exhaust even a championship-stacked roster.
Things start to go haywire in early 2026.
The Florida Panthers' most extensive road swing of the year comes in January: six games of going through Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Carolina, and Washington. And then they're home for one game before taking off again to play Winnipeg, Minnesota, and Chicago.
Reacting to the Panthers 2025-26 schedule release
March mayhem and the Olympic sandwich
March won't be more merciful. Florida has 10 of its 15 contests on the road during that month, with three additional back-to-backs thrown in for good measure.
And don't count on a clean slate for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The Panthers will be forced to play a back-to-back both before and after the league break. There's no welcome mat quite like a condensed schedule and global jet lag.
A slight silver lining for Florida Panthers?
Only eight of Florida's 13 back-to-backs come after January 1. Last year, that number was 10. Despite winning two straight Cups and cementing their status as the NHL's gold standard, the Panthers are once again stuck with a disjointed, exhausting calendar.
Also read:
Brad Marchand trade to Florida Panthers leads to Stanley Cup win and emotional return to Boston Bruins
Whether it's a thank-you present or a scheduling error, one thing's for certain—Florida's struggle to win a third Cup will be just as much about making it through the schedule as it will about outplaying competition.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
TJ Oshie puts $9.85M D.C. home up for sale, fueling retirement uncertainty and Capitals exit rumors
Oshie sparks rumors with $9.85M home sale (Image via: Getty Images) TJ Oshie, one of the Washington Capitals' most beloved stars, has officially listed his McLean, Virginia mansion for a whopping $9.85 million—fueling speculation that his time in D.C. is over for good. The move comes as Oshie and his wife, Lauren, relocate to Minnesota with their four children, ending a decade-long run in the nation's capital. TJ Oshie's departure from Washington fuels speculation about retirement and career plans The listing, first reported by RMNB on X, has ignited buzz among NHL fans. After nine seasons with the Capitals and a key role in their 2018 Stanley Cup win, Oshie's sudden relocation is being seen by many as a quiet exit from both the team and possibly the NHL. The McLean estate reflects Oshie's superstar status: seven bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a pool, gym, basketball court, golf simulator, and more. The luxurious $9.85 million property showcases the lifestyle Oshie built during his successful NHL tenure. Is TJ Oshie quietly stepping away from NHL? While Oshie has not officially announced retirement, his ongoing battle with injuries and this major family move to Minnesota have raised serious questions about his future with the Capitals. The team has not issued a formal statement, leaving fans and media to draw their own conclusions. Some believe this signals a graceful off-ice transition. Others argue it's a quiet departure that avoids the fanfare of a traditional NHL retirement. Either way, Oshie's decision to move now, while still under contract, is turning heads. FAQs Why is TJ Oshie selling his McLean, Virginia home? TJ Oshie is selling his $9.85 million McLean mansion as he and his family relocate to Minnesota after spending over a decade in the Washington, D.C. area. Is TJ Oshie retiring from the NHL? While TJ Oshie has not officially announced his retirement, the sale of his D.C. home and move to Minnesota have sparked widespread speculation about the end of his playing career. What does TJ Oshie's move mean for the Washington Capitals? Oshie's departure could signal the beginning of a rebuild for the Capitals, as the team potentially moves on from key veterans of their 2018 Stanley Cup-winning core. TJ Oshie's move raises uncertainty about Capitals' future Washington fans are left wondering whether the team is preparing for a rebuild, with longtime pillars like Oshie quietly stepping away. As of now, no trade or retirement announcement has been made but the $9.85 million listing says more than words. Also Read: Are Edmonton Oilers eyeing Max Pacioretty as risky replacement for Corey Perry? NHL rumors hint at possibility Whether this is Oshie's final farewell or a pause in his career, one thing is clear: Washington may have already seen the last of No. 77. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Who is Anush Agarwalla? 26-year-old Indian rider secures first dressage event win in Germany; all you need to know
Anush Agarwalla (File Photo) Indian rider Anush Agarwalla secured his first victory in the dressage event at the Jubilaumsturnier Hofgeismar Open with his mare Floriana. Agarwalla, a Paris Olympics representative, scored 69.891 percent points to lead the six-member competition, where all other participants were from Germany. The second and third positions were claimed by Pia Piotrowski and Katharina Hemmer respectively. This victory marked the first success for Agarwalla and Floriana at the S level, in what was only their second competitive appearance together. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I'm incredibly proud of Floriana, this was only her second S competition and she handled it with maturity beyond her years," Agarwalla said. "Winning here is a special moment for both of us. I want to sincerely thank Anna Scholermann for her constant guidance, training, and belief in us. This is just the beginning for Floriana, and I'm excited about what the future holds." Who is Anush Agarwalla? Anush Agarwalla, born on 23 November 1999 in Kolkata, has emerged as one of India's most prominent equestrian athletes, specialising in dressage — a discipline often described as 'ballet on horseback.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo His journey began at the age of three, but it was his move to Germany at 17 to train under Olympic gold medallist Hubertus Schmidt that truly transformed his career. Agarwalla made history by becoming the first Indian dressage rider to compete at the FEI World Equestrian Games (2022). The same year, he played a pivotal role in India's breakthrough performance at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, winning team gold and individual bronze — India's first-ever medal in individual dressage. Riding his trusted partner, Etro, he scored an impressive 73.030, setting a new benchmark for Indian equestrian sports. Poll Should more young athletes be encouraged to pursue equestrian sports in India? Yes No Not sure In 2024, Agarwalla achieved another milestone by qualifying for the Paris Olympics, where he became India's first-ever dressage competitor at the Games, finishing 52nd in the Grand Prix. Recognising his achievements, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Arjuna Award in January 2024. Continuing his success, Agarwalla and his mare Floriana secured victory at the Jubiläumsturnier Hofgeismar Open in Germany. With his sights set on future world championships and the next Olympic cycle, Anush Agarwalla is redefining equestrian sports in India. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
3 hours ago
- First Post
India vs Pakistan clash at LA 2028 Olympics unlikely as only 1 Asian team to qualify: Report
Cricket will return to the Olympics at LA 2028 after 128 years. However, only one Asian team is reported to qualify directly for the event. This makes an India vs Pakistan clash highly unlikely. The ICC is set to debate the qualification process at its Singapore AGM. read more Cricket is all set to return to the Olympics after 128 years, with men's and women's T20 events scheduled for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. However, fans hoping for an India vs Pakistan clash might be disappointed. According to Forbes, only one Asian team will directly qualify for the men's event, making it very unlikely that both arch-rivals will feature together. The men's and women's competitions will reportedly have just six teams each. The host nation, the USA, is likely to get an automatic slot, which leaves just five remaining spots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report suggests that the ICC is leaning towards a regional qualification model. That means only the top-ranked T20I team from each region - Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa - will automatically qualify, while the final spot will be decided through a qualifying tournament. This could mean only one Asian team - likely India, based on their superior ranking - would make it directly, leaving Pakistan to fight for the remaining Olympic place in qualifiers. The ICC is currently debating how qualification should work, with the topic set to be discussed at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore. Also Read: PCB stares at loss of crores if Asia Cup is cancelled: 'Revenues from ICC and Asia Cup are very important' Qualification process stirs debate Some associate members want qualifying tournaments instead of just rankings, saying it would give them a fair chance. Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani, who is an ICC board director and also part of the Olympic working group, has urged that the qualifying tournament should be for everyone and not just full members. 'We should really make the most of cricket being in the Olympics and have qualifying tournaments instead of rankings, which don't make sense in terms of trying to develop the sport,' Mukuhlani told Forbes. 'The qualifying tournaments should be for everyone and not just Full Members (cricket's 12 nations who receive the most power and funds). It's fairer and if you look at other major sports, like football and basketball, you see some amazing things happen where underdog nations qualify," he added. Also Read: India camp rocked by injury crisis: How team combination could change after Nitish Reddy, Arshdeep Singh blow STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, others have argued that using rankings would be cheaper and easier because cricket's schedule is already packed. However, they also want inclusivity to be a factor and ensure that the right decision is taken so cricket is made part of the Olympics for good and not just for one edition. 'Discussions will be focused on what is the best option and there is the cost factor to consider, but inclusivity has to be a factor too and it would be great to showcase a curtain raiser before the Olympics,' Sumod Damodar, one of the three Associate member representatives on the Chief Executives' Committee, was quoted as saying. 'We need to make sure the right decision is made for cricket because the sport wants to be part of Brisbane 2032 and beyond. We don't want to be in situations where every four years we are begging for inclusion.' The LA28 Olympic cricket matches will be held at a temporary stadium in Pomona, about 50 km from Los Angeles, from July 12 to 29, 2028. Medal matches will be played on July 20 and 29. The cricket matches at Olympics will begin two days before the start of the main event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
