So, you’re staring at the remote wondering exactly what channel is panthers game on today because, honestly, the way sports broadcasting works in 2026 is a total mess. Between the local blackout rules, the jump to Scripps Sports, and the fact that we have two different "Panthers" teams playing high-stakes games this week, it is way too easy to miss puck drop or kickoff.
Let's get the immediate answer out of the way. If you are looking for the Florida Panthers, they actually do not play today, January 15, 2026. They are traveling to Raleigh to take on the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow, Friday, January 16. That game is going to be a massive broadcast on NHL Network nationally, and locally on the Scripps Sports network (think WSFL-TV 39 if you're in Miami).
On the other hand, if you're talking about the Carolina Panthers, their season just hit a dramatic milestone. They played their NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams last Saturday on FOX. If you’re looking for their next move, the NFL Divisional Round starts this weekend, January 17-18, and everyone is waiting to see if Carolina’s 8-9 "Cinderella" squad can keep the momentum going on the road.
Breaking Down the Florida Panthers TV Map
If you're a hockey fan in South Florida, the old days of just flipping to Bally Sports are long gone. Basically, the team moved over to Scripps Sports, which is actually kind of great because a lot of these games are now free over-the-air. You don't even necessarily need a $100 cable bill; a digital antenna can sometimes do the trick.
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Here is how the local TV channels break down for the game tomorrow and most nights:
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale: WSFL-TV (Channel 39)
- West Palm Beach: WHDT-TV (Channel 9)
- Naples/Fort Myers: WFTX-TV (Channel 36.3)
For the out-of-market crowd, ESPN+ is still the go-to, but there is a catch. Since the Friday game against the Hurricanes is being carried by NHL Network, ESPN+ will likely be blacked out for that specific matchup. It's one of those weird licensing things that makes fans want to throw their shoes at the TV. You’ll need a live TV streaming service like Fubo or Sling (with the Sports Extra add-on) to catch the NHL Network feed.
The Carolina Panthers Playoff Situation
The NFL side of things is a bit more straightforward but way more intense. The Carolina Panthers pulled off a miracle by winning the NFC South with a losing record, but hey, a division title is a division title.
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Their Wild Card victory over the Rams was a shocker. If you are searching for what channel is panthers game on today hoping for a Thursday night NFL game, you’re a few hours off. The NFL Divisional playoffs are strictly a Saturday and Sunday affair. You’ll want to check NBC, CBS, or FOX starting Saturday, January 17.
Streaming and "Panthers Plus"
For the die-hards who have cut the cord entirely, Florida fans have Panthers Plus. It’s their direct-to-consumer app. It costs a few bucks a month, but it eliminates the "where is the game?" guesswork for about 69 of the 82 regular-season games.
One thing most people get wrong is assuming every game is on the app. It's not. When TNT or ABC picks up a game for a national broadcast—like that outdoor Winter Classic we just saw in Miami—the local app goes dark.
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Actionable Steps for Game Day
To make sure you aren't scrolling through 400 channels five minutes after the game starts, do this:
- Check the "National" vs. "Local" status: If it's on NHL Network, TNT, or ESPN, your local Scripps station won't have it.
- Verify your antenna signal: If you’re using an antenna for WSFL-TV 39, do a channel scan today. Don't wait until tomorrow's 7:00 PM puck drop.
- Sync your apps: If you use Fubo or YouTube TV, search "Panthers" now and hit the "Record" or "Follow" button. It’ll automatically surface the right channel when the game goes live.
Basically, the Florida Panthers are on a collision course with the Hurricanes tomorrow night on NHL Network, and the Carolina Panthers are prepping for a massive playoff weekend. Keep your apps updated and your antenna pointed in the right direction.