If you’re waking up this Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, and looking for the exact second the puck drops for the Cats, I have some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill.
The Florida Panthers do not play today.
They just wrapped up a physical, high-stakes road game against the Washington Capitals last night, Saturday, Jan. 17. After a grueling battle at Capital One Arena where they walked away with a 5-2 win, Paul Maurice’s squad is currently in the middle of a much-needed travel and recovery day.
I know, it's frustrating when you're geared up for hockey on a Sunday afternoon. But looking at the 2025-26 NHL schedule, the league has them slated for a quick turnaround. They’ll be back on the ice tomorrow night at home.
When Is the Next Game?
Since there is no answer to "what time do the florida panthers play today" beyond "they don't," you'll want to mark your calendar for Monday.
The Panthers return to Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026. They are hosting the San Jose Sharks.
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That game is scheduled for a 6:00 PM EST puck drop. It’s a slightly earlier start than the usual 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM home slots we’re used to, likely because it’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The league often moves these holiday games up to accommodate families and early travelers.
Honestly, after the way they played in D.C. last night—with Uvis Balinskis finding the back of the net and Anton Lundell racking up assists—the extra 24 hours of rest is probably a godsend for the veterans.
Why the Sunday Gap Matters for the Standings
The Atlantic Division is a absolute meat grinder right now. As of this morning, the Panthers are sitting with a record of 25-19-3.
They’re currently chasing the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings, who are both hovering around 62 points. Florida has 53 points. That’s a gap, but it’s not an insurmountable one given how many divisional games are left on the docket for February and March.
While the Panthers are resting today, keep an eye on these games that actually are happening:
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- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Dallas Stars (2:00 PM EST) – A Bolts loss here helps Florida keep pace.
- Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators (5:00 PM EST) – You’re basically pulling for the Sens today if you want the Panthers to climb the Wild Card ladder.
It’s one of those weird sports days where the team you follow is idle, but the teams you hate are essentially playing for your benefit.
Where to Watch Tomorrow’s Game
When the Cats do return tomorrow against San Jose, here is how you can catch the action.
The local broadcast remains on Scripps Sports (SCRI) and Bally Sports Florida (BSFL), depending on your specific cable provider's current naming rights. If you’ve cut the cord, the game will be streaming on ESPN+ for out-of-market fans, while local fans usually rely on the Fubo or the Victory+ app depending on the region's latest streaming deals.
Radio listeners can find the call on 560 WQAM. Doug Plagens always brings a ton of energy, and frankly, sometimes the radio call is more exciting than the TV broadcast during these mid-season grinds.
Recent Form and Player News
The team is finally starting to look like the 2x back-to-back champs again. After that brutal 9-1 blowout loss to Carolina on Friday (let’s just agree to never speak of that again), the 5-2 rebound against Washington showed some real character.
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Sergei Bobrovsky has been a workhorse, but we might see Daniil Tarasov get the nod against the Sharks tomorrow to keep "Bob" fresh for the upcoming road trip to Winnipeg and Minnesota.
Sam Reinhart is still the primary engine for the offense. He’s sitting at 24 goals for the season. He's remarkably consistent. If the Panthers want to make a real run for the top three in the Atlantic, they need Matthew Tkachuk to find that playoff gear a bit earlier than usual. He’s been great, but we haven't seen that "take over the game" dominance as frequently this month.
Key Takeaways for the Week Ahead
The schedule gets heavy after this Sunday break.
- Monday, Jan 19 vs. Sharks: Must-win game at home. 6:00 PM start.
- Thursday, Jan 22 at Jets: A tough trip to Winnipeg. Canada Life Centre is never easy in January.
- Saturday, Jan 24 at Wild: A late-night battle in Saint Paul.
If you were planning your Sunday around the Panthers, use the time to check out the Charlotte Checkers (their AHL affiliate) or just catch the Lightning-Stars game to scout the competition.
The next few weeks will define whether Florida is fighting for a divisional seed or sweating out a Wild Card spot until April. For now, enjoy the day off, let the players heal up, and get ready for the Sharks to hit the ice in Sunrise tomorrow night.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your ticket apps for Monday's game; since it's a holiday 6:00 PM start against a non-divisional opponent like San Jose, you can often find "verified reseller" seats for under $35 at the Amerant Bank Arena. If you're staying home, double-check your ESPN+ or local regional sports network login today so you aren't scrambling at puck drop tomorrow.