The Florida Panthers’ quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup is facing an early and significant challenge, as the team begins the 2025-26 season without two of its most vital players. Captain and elite center Aleksander Barkov is out for the season with a knee injury suffered during a training camp practice, while star forward Matthew Tkachuk is on injured reserve and not expected to return until at least December due to a groin issue.

Amidst these long-term concerns, the Panthers and their fans received a brief scare during Tuesday’s season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks. Top-line forward Sam Reinhart, who is now shouldered with a much larger offensive burden, was hit in the mouth with a puck during the second period of the contest. The incident required Reinhart to receive sti

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