It is that time of year where everyone is frantically checking the standings and wondering: are the panthers in the playoffs? If you’re talking about the NFL, the answer is a bittersweet "no," but they certainly made it interesting. If you’re a hockey fan looking at the Florida Panthers, the hunt is very much alive.
The Carolina Panthers just wrapped up a season that honestly defied most logic. They actually made the postseason with a losing record, but their run ended just a few days ago. Meanwhile, down in the Sunshine State, the Florida Panthers are currently grinding through the middle of their NHL schedule, fighting to keep their three-peat dreams alive.
The NFL Side: What Really Happened With the Carolina Panthers?
Let's talk about the Carolina Panthers first because their situation was, well, weird. They actually made history. On January 10, 2026, the Panthers hosted the Los Angeles Rams in a Wild Card game at Bank of America Stadium.
They got there by winning the NFC South with an 8-9 record. Yeah, you read that right. A losing record.
Basically, the entire division was a mess. The Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers all finished 8-9. Because of some crazy three-way tiebreaker rules involving head-to-head records—where Carolina went 3-1 against those specific rivals—Dave Canales and Bryce Young found themselves hosting a home playoff game.
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The Playoff Heartbreak
The playoff game itself was a total nail-biter. On January 10, the Panthers took the Rams to the absolute limit. Bryce Young found Jalen Coker and Chuba Hubbard for scores, but Matthew Stafford was just a bit too much in the fourth quarter. The Panthers lost 34-31.
So, strictly speaking, are the panthers in the playoffs right now? No. They were eliminated in the Wild Card round last Saturday. Their season is over, but for a team that won only two games two years ago, making the dance at all felt like a massive shift in culture.
The NHL Side: Florida Panthers Playoff Picture
Now, if you’re asking about the ice instead of the turf, the story is different. The Florida Panthers are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. They have a massive target on their backs.
As of January 15, 2026, the Florida Panthers are not "in" the playoffs yet because the NHL season is still in its mid-winter grind. However, they are right in the thick of the race.
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- Current Record: 24-18-3 (51 points)
- Standings: 7th in the Atlantic Division / 12th in the Eastern Conference
- Recent Form: They just beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on January 12 and the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on January 10.
They aren't leading the pack like they were last year. The Atlantic Division is a gauntlet right now with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings putting up huge numbers. Paul Maurice’s squad is currently sitting outside a guaranteed top-three divisional spot, which means they are fighting for a Wild Card berth.
Why the Struggle?
Injuries and the "championship hangover" are real. Even though guys like Sam Reinhart and Brad Marchand—who joined the squad to chase a ring—are producing, the team has a negative goal differential (-6). They’ve been inconsistent. One night they look like the best team in the world, and the next, they're giving up six goals to the Canadiens.
The good news? They have a huge game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, January 16. These points are massive. In the NHL, the "playoffs" don't start until April, but the race is decided in January and February.
Comparing the Two "Panthers" Postseason Paths
It’s rare to have both franchises with the same name making headlines at the exact same time for the same reason.
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The Carolina Panthers (NFL) finished their 2025-26 journey with a 34-31 loss. They proved they belong in the conversation, even if the 8-9 record made some fans across the league roll their eyes.
The Florida Panthers (NHL) are currently on a two-game winning streak. If they want to be "in the playoffs" come April, they need to fix their road record. They are currently 10-9-0 away from home. That’s okay, but it’s not championship-level dominant.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the NFL team, the "playoff" talk is now about the draft and 2026 opponents. They already know they'll be playing the NFC North and AFC North next year. Because they won the division, their 2026 schedule actually gets harder—they'll have to play other first-place teams like the Seahawks and Broncos.
For the hockey fans, keep an eye on the NHL Wild Card standings. The East is incredibly tight. Every overtime loss is a missed opportunity. If the Florida Panthers can string together a 7-2-1 run in their next ten games, they’ll likely jump back into a safe playoff spot.
What you can do next:
- Check the NHL Eastern Conference Wild Card standings daily; the gap between 8th and 12th place is only about 3-4 points.
- Watch the Panthers vs. Hurricanes game on January 16. It’s a literal battle of the "Panthers" region (though the Hurricanes are the ones on the ice) and carries huge weight for Florida’s postseason math.
- Review the NFL Draft order for the Carolina Panthers; since they made the playoffs, they won't have a top-10 pick despite the 8-9 record.
The playoff status for the Panthers depends entirely on which sport you're watching, but both teams have managed to stay relevant deep into the winter.