Gustav Forsling scored with 4.3 seconds left in overtime to lead the Florida Panthers to a 1-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the season opener. The win spoiled the Hurricanes' banner-raising ceremony, which celebrated their 2026 Stanley Cup championship. The game was a defensive battle, with both goaltenders making key saves.

Forsling's game-winning shot came after Carter Verhaeghe set him up near the blue line. Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour noted the fans deserved the celebration, while Florida coach Paul Maurice praised the return of captain Aleksander Barkov. The Panthers, who won the Cup in 2024 and 2025, also welcomed new goalie Jacob Markstrom and Brady Tkachuk.

Markstrom made 15 saves, while Bussi stopped 19 shots before the late goal. The Tkachuk brothers played on separate lines, with Brady skating with Barkov and Sam Reinhart.