The Florida Panthers began their Stanley Cup title defense with a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on Opening Night, showcasing a strong performance that included two goals from Sam Bennett. The team celebrated their championship legacy by raising the 2024 Stanley Cup banner before the game, a moment marked by the presence of captain Aleksander Barkov and a highlight video of their previous season. The Panthers dominated early, leading 4-1 after the first period and eventually extending their lead to 6-2 before Boston managed two late goals. This matchup also reflected the recent playoff history between the teams, with the Panthers having eliminated the Bruins in the previous two seasons. Despite Boston's strong roster, including a notable short-handed goal from Pavel Zacha, they were unable to overcome Florida's early lead. The Panthers' next challenge will be a four-game road trip starting in Ottawa.