The Florida Panthers opening two games scheduled for January 14 and 15 against the Dallas Stars will be postponed due to a covid-19 outbreak involving six Stars players and two staff members. The NHL will announce the dates and times on which the games will be played once the schedule is revised. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets, which will be honored for a new date.
So, it looks like the Cats will get a little extra practice time this week and instead open the regular season on Sunday, January 17 versus the Chicago Blackhawks at the BB&T Center. The two teams will face off again on the 19th before the Panthers hit the bricks for a six-game road trip that see them play two-game sets against the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings.
Florida has reduced its training camp roster to 33 players. Forward Henry Bowlby, forward Serron Noel, defenseman Jake Massie, defenseman John Ludvig and defenseman Max Gildon are expected to report to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. The Panthers are shaing the Cunch with the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. Goaltender Scott Darling has been released from his professional tryout contract.
The Panthers schedule until Wednesday is as follows
Saturday, Jan. 9
Team Blue practice – 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Team Red practice – 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 10
Team Red practice – 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Team Blue practice – 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 11
Team Blue practice – 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Team Red practice – 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Team Red practice – 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Team Blue practice – 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Team Blue practice – 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Team Red practice – 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.