The undefeated Florida Panthers begin a three-game swing through California on Wednesday night, facing the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in the first of two meetings between the clubs this season.
Florida opened its 33rd season with a 1-0 overtime victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. Gustav Forsling scored the decisive goal with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime, assisted by Carter Verhaeghe. Goaltender Jacob Markström, in his first game with the Panthers since 2014, recorded a shutout by stopping all 15 shots faced for his 26th career shutout. The Panthers’ penalty kill unit was perfect at 6-for-6, though the power play showed room for improvement.
The Sharks represent a notably stronger opponent than last season. San Jose posted 39 wins and 86 points in 2025-26, a 34-point improvement from their 2024-25 campaign. The improvement was led by second-year forward Macklin Celebrini, who recorded 45 goals, 70 assists and 115 points. Fellow sophomore Will Smith added 24 goals and 59 points. However, the Sharks’ goaltending tandem of Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic may present an area of potential weakness if San Jose hopes to end its playoff drought, according to the source.
The matchup marks game one of the season series, with the teams’ last meeting ending in a 4-1 San Jose victory on January 19, 2026. The second meeting is scheduled for February 21, 2027.
The game begins at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Scripps and NBCSCA, with radio coverage available on 104.3 WQAM, 106.3 ESPN, and Thunder 100.3.
Key facts
- Florida Panthers remain undefeated after opening 1-0 OT win vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Jacob Markström posted shutout in first game with Panthers since 2014
- San Jose finished 2025-26 with 39 wins and 86 points, up 34 points from prior season
- Macklin Celebrini recorded 115 points in his second NHL season
- Panthers’ penalty kill went 6-for-6 in season opener