NHL Global Series in Finland Begins Tough November Schedule for Panthers

The Florida Panthers, the defending Stanley Cup champions, will face a challenging November schedule that will test their mettle as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Atlantic Division. With a 7-3-1 record, the Panthers have a target on their back as they head into a month full of high-profile matchups and international play.

The Panthers begin November by participating in the 2024 NHL Global Series in Tampere, Finland. They will face the Dallas Stars, currently in second place in the Central Division with a 7-2-0 record, in back-to-back games on November 1 and 2 at Nokia Arena. The series has special significance for Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who will be playing in his hometown. Barkov, who became the first NHL captain born in Finland to win a Stanley Cup, grew up competing against Tappara Tampere, who now play at the Nokia Arena.

Dallas and Florida are heavy favorites according to online sportsbooks listed by Time2play, with the combined odds of winning the Stanley Cup at +950 for the Stars and +1100 for the defending champions.

The games are part of the larger, three-part NHL Global Series for the 2024-25 season. The series includes the Global Series Challenge Germany, a preseason exhibition game in Munich, Germany; the Global Series Czechia, featuring regular season games in Prague; and Global Series Finland, where the Panthers will play.

These international games provide a unique opportunity for European fans to experience NHL hockey live and for players to showcase their skills on the world stage. The series also helps raise the profile of the game in Europe and gives players with European roots a chance to play in front of their home crowd.

November Home Stand

After returning from Finland, the Panthers will enjoy a six-game homestand at Amerint Bank Arena. Highlighting this stretch will be back-to-back home games against the New Jersey Devils on November 14th and 16th. The Devils have been playing inspired hockey to start the season. Center Nico Hischier leads all scorers on Nov. 10, and the Devils sit atop the Metropolitan Division. Expect a real battle between the two teams, as back-to-back games often bring competitive fire to the teams.

Challenging Series against the Jets

The Panthers will face a challenging series against the Winnipeg Jets as the month progresses. The Jets have had a good start this season, and the Panthers must do everything possible to beat them. The first game is scheduled for Nov. 16 at home, followed by a road game in Winnipeg on Nov. 24. These games will test the Panthers’ ability to adapt and perform against a high-flying Jets offense led by the formidable trio of Vilardi, Connor. , and Scheifele.

The Jets have won four of the last five meetings, including a 3-0 victory last November, in which Nikolaj Ehlers scored the dominant goal. The Panthers will be determined to reverse this trend and show their strength as a defensive player.

Closes November

The Panthers will close out November with a home-and-away series against the Carolina Hurricanes, their third back-to-back games against the same opponent in a month. They will host the Hurricanes on November 29 before traveling to North Carolina for a game on November 30. This back-to-back set will challenge the Panthers’ endurance and depth as they face a strong Hurricanes team.

Defending Champion Challenges

As the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Panthers know they are the team to beat. Head coach Paul Maurice, who recently signed a contract extension, will need to rally his troops and fix the inconsistencies that have led to a surprising loss early in the season, including a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild.

The Panthers’ November schedule presents both opportunities and challenges. While they may be favored in most matchups, the team must raise their game to match the intensity of opponents eager to take down the reigning champions. International experience in Finland, important division meets, and tests against strong teams in the Western Conference will all play a role in shaping the Panthers’ season as they look to defend their title.

As the Panthers navigate this difficult month, they must harness the energy and determination that led them to Stanley Cup glory last season. With a mix of home and away games, including high-profile matchups and potential deadline previews, November will be a defining month for the Florida Panthers as they look to prove they are still a team to beat in the NHL.