Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Just when it looked like the Florida Panthers’ quest for a three-peat may be in some real danger, the defending champions bounced right back. The 2025-26 NHL season has been going on now for about two months, and the Panthers have been one of the more bizarre teams across the league.

Florida dealt with some early-season adversity, as it struggled to come out of the gates on a high note. This was a strange part of the new season, especially since the hockey world has gotten used to the Panthers dominating on the ice.

But just a few weeks ago, the Panthers were last in the Eastern Conference standings. Things didn’t look right with this team, and questions surrounded their ability to even get to the playoffs.

However, we should all know by now to never question the heart of a championshop group, and Florida is now on the rise. Over the last few weeks, the Panthers have been one of the hottest teams across the league, going 6-1-1 over their past eight games overall.

Florida has jumped up to only be one spot behind the second wild card in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If the Panthers keep this pace, they will easily get back into the playoff bracket at the end of the year and will have a real chance to win.

There is a reason why grabbing a three-peat is so tough in sports, but especially in hockey. In fact, it hasn’t happened in the NHL since the 1983 season, when the New York Islanders won four straight titles.

But this Panthers team seems determined, and the early-season adversity could work out in their favor. So, let’s not get it twisted, the Panthers remain the favorite to win the Stanley Cup, even with all the other challengers across the NHL this season.

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Florida Panthers Are Still Favorites to Win

Over the past few weeks, the Panthers’ offense has increased heavily, as well as the play of their goaltending. Since December 4, Florida ranks No. 4 in the NHL in goals per game (3.75) and 13th overall in goals against per game (2.75).

But the power play has also improved dramatically, showing what a strong unit can do for a team. Prior to December 4, the Panthers’ power play kill was ranked 24th overall, but it has jumped to first in the league.

This team stayed patient in its approach on the ice, and it has worked out well for them so far. Florida has a boatload of talented veterans on the roster, and each of them understands that it’s a long season that will have ups and downs.

If this Panthers team can stay focused throughout, there may not be a team that can knock them off. However, the key will be to maintain this mentality all year long, and after winning as much as Florida has, it can’t be tough.

Florida is the hunted team across the NHL, with every single opponent wanting to be the group to force them out. But in the end, the Panthers remain the favorites, and fans should be in for a fun ride to the finish line this year.