Panthers Draw Cup Champs on Opening Night; Home Opener Set

The Florida Panthers' schedule is officially locked in, and they're facing the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes to kick off their season before heading home for their own home opener. This is the kind of opening assignment that either galvanizes a team or puts them in an early hole, and the Panthers' front office clearly wanted to start against the best. The home opener that follows gives Florida a chance to reset and show their fans what they're building toward this season.