5 Things to Know: Sharks vs Panthers
The San Jose Sharks are back!
Tonight, the Sharks open their 2026-27 regular season at SAP Center at San Jose as they host the Florida Panthers.
Puck drop is scheduled at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday, October 1.
Here's five things to know heading into tonight's matchup:
- Florida Panthers Outlook
The Florida Panthers enter the Shark Tank with a 1-0-0 record, having shutout the defending Stanley Cup Champions Carolina Hurricanes in a 1-0 overtime road win.
The Panthers' All-Time Regular Season Record playing in SAP Center at San Jose: 14-8-2-0.
The San Jose Sharks’ All-Time Regular Season Record against the Panthers: 16-19-7-6.
- San Jose Sharks Outlook
The San Jose Sharks open up their 2026-27 season at home for one of the most anticipated seasons in recent team history.
San Jose Sharks prospects Luca Cagnoni and Ivar Stenberg will play in tonight's game, marking the first NHL season opener game for defenseman Cagnoni and the first career NHL game for rookie forward Ivar Stenberg.
Learn more about tonight's projected line and ways to watch or listen to the game here.
- Opening Night Street Festival
The San Jose Sharks are turning the area outside the Tank into a fan festival, complete with player interviews, family-friendly entertainment, giveaways and more!
Opening Night Schedule:
3:00 p.m. – Street Festival Opens
3:00 p.m. – Teal Carpet Opens to Fans
3:00-4:45 p.m. – Sharks Player Teal Carpet Arrivals
4:20-5:30 p.m. – Team and Special Guest Interviews on Main Stage
5:30 p.m. – Sharks365 Member SAP Center Doors Open
5:45 p.m. – General Admission SAP Center Doors Open
6:00 p.m. – Street Festival Concludes
6:45 p.m. – Fans Encouraged to be Seated Before Sharks In-Arena Pregame Show Begins
Learn more about the Sharks Opening Weekend here.
- Sharks Name Team Captains
The San Jose Sharks have named Macklin Celebrini the 11th full-time captain in franchise history.
The San Jose Sharks have named rotating captains for Sharks home and away games.
- Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky Extended
The San Jose Sharks have extended Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky.
Read more about the bench boss' extension here.
