You’re likely here because you’ve got that nagging feeling you might be missing a game. It happens to the best of us. Whether you’re scanning the ice for the Florida Panthers or checking the gridiron for the Carolina squad, the answer to did the Panthers play today depends entirely on which team you're actually rooting for—and honestly, the calendar can be a bit of a tease this time of year.
Did the Panthers Play Today? Here is the Quick Answer
For the Florida Panthers, the answer is no. They do not have a game scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're feeling a bit of deja vu, it’s probably because they just got off the ice last night. On Saturday, January 17, they took care of business against the Washington Capitals with a solid 5-2 win at Capital One Arena. Sam Bennett was the man of the hour, racking up three points and helping the team bounce back after a rough 9-1 blowout loss to the Hurricanes earlier in the week.
Right now, the Florida guys are likely catching a flight or getting some much-needed rest before they head back to Amerant Bank Arena. They play the San Jose Sharks tomorrow, Monday, January 19.
Switching gears to the Carolina Panthers—their season is officially in the "wait until next year" phase. The NFL regular season wrapped up at the start of January. While the Divisional Round of the playoffs is happening right now (we've got Texans vs. Patriots and Rams vs. Bears today), the Panthers aren't in the mix. They finished their 2025-2026 campaign with an 8-9 record. It’s a bit of a bummer for Charlotte fans, but hey, at least the 2026 opponents are already set, and there's a lot of talk about how GM Dan Morgan is shaping the roster for the fall.
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Why the Florida Panthers Schedule Matters Right Now
The NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint, but the standings in January are basically the "panic or stay calm" indicator for front offices. After that 5-2 win over Washington, Florida sits at 25-19-3. They aren't exactly dominating the Atlantic Division, but they're staying in the hunt.
Watching Sergei Bobrovsky and the crew lately has been a bit of a rollercoaster. One night they're getting shelled for nine goals, and the next, they look like the Cup contenders we know they can be. This off-day today is actually pretty crucial for their recovery. They've been dealing with some nagging injuries, and with the San Jose game coming up fast, they need the legs.
Upcoming Florida Panthers Games:
- Monday, Jan 19: vs. San Jose Sharks (Home)
- Thursday, Jan 22: at Winnipeg Jets (Away)
- Saturday, Jan 24: at Minnesota Wild (Away)
What’s the Deal with the Carolina Panthers?
If you were looking for a football game, you might be thinking of the 2026 NFL playoffs. Even though the team is out, the organization is busy. There’s a lot of noise coming out of Bank of America Stadium regarding the draft and free agency.
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Since the Falcons won the NFC South title this year, Carolina is looking at a specific set of opponents for the 2026 season. They’ll be hosting the Bears, Lions, Ravens, Bengals, Seahawks, and Broncos, along with their usual division rivals. It’s going to be a tough slate. Honestly, the 8-9 finish this year showed flashes of potential, especially with the defense holding firm in some tight games, but the consistency just wasn't there to make a January run.
How to Stay on Top of the Schedule
It’s easy to get confused with two major pro teams sharing a name. Most people just type in a quick search, but the best way to keep your Sundays (or Saturdays) straight is to use a dedicated sports app or sync the team calendars to your phone.
For the Florida Panthers, the NHL app is usually the most reliable for real-time score updates and line-up changes. For Carolina, the team’s official site already has the 2026 opponent list posted, though the exact dates and times won't drop until the NFL schedule release in May.
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If you’re looking for something to watch today since neither Panthers team is active, the NFL Divisional playoffs are your best bet. The Houston Texans are taking on the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET, and the Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET. Both games have massive implications for who we'll see in the Super Bowl next month.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Florida Fans: Check the injury report tomorrow morning before the San Jose game. Keeping an eye on the goalie rotation is key if you’re looking at betting lines or just want to know who’s between the pipes.
- Carolina Fans: Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and upcoming scouting combines. The "real" season for a rebuilding team starts with talent evaluation this month.
- General Sports Fans: If you missed the Florida vs. Washington highlights from last night, go catch them on the NHL’s YouTube channel—Sam Bennett’s performance was definitely worth the watch.
The Florida Panthers return to the ice Monday night at 7:00 PM ET at Amerant Bank Arena. Until then, enjoy the playoff football and the rare quiet Sunday for the Panther fanbases.