If you’re wondering where did the Panthers play today, you’re likely looking for the Florida Panthers as they wrap up a whirlwind week that felt more like a political tour than a hockey road trip. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Florida Panthers are taking the ice at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., to face off against the Washington Capitals.
It’s been a weird few days for the Cats. One minute they’re at the White House being celebrated as Stanley Cup champions, and the next, they’re getting absolutely dismantled in Raleigh. If you missed last night's score, honestly, you might want to keep it that way. But for those of us tracking every shift, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why tonight’s game in D.C. is such a massive deal for Paul Maurice’s squad.
Capital One Arena: The Final Stop of the Trip
Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 PM EST. You can find it on Scripps Sports or Bally Sports Florida if you're local, but for everyone else, it’s streaming on ESPN+.
Capital One Arena is a loud, tight building. It's usually a house of horrors for visiting teams when Alex Ovechkin is feeling it, and coming off a 9-1 loss to the Hurricanes just 24 hours ago, the Panthers have to find their legs fast. This isn't just about where did the Panthers play today; it’s about how they recover from one of the most embarrassing regular-season losses in recent memory.
The White House Hangover is Real
There’s a lot of talk in the locker room about "The White House Hangover." On Thursday, the team was in D.C. for their official ceremony. They met the President, took the photos, and did the whole suit-and-tie thing.
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Then, they hopped a flight to North Carolina and looked like they forgot how to skate.
- Shot count last night: 23-8 in favor of Carolina through two periods.
- Final Score: 9-1. Yes, nine.
- The Goalie Situation: Sergei Bobrovsky got left out to dry, giving up six goals in the third period alone.
You have to wonder if the pomp and circumstance of the D.C. trip totally drained their battery. It happens. These guys are human. But in the NHL, you don't get a "day after the White House" pass. You just get the Washington Capitals waiting to punch you in the mouth.
Matchup Breakdown: Panthers vs. Capitals
The Capitals aren't exactly world-beaters this year—they’re sitting at 24-18-6—but they’re consistent. They lost a close one to the Sharks on Thursday (3-2) and they’ve been resting while Florida was getting chased out of the building in Raleigh.
Players to Watch Tonight
- Sam Reinhart: He’s been the most consistent offensive threat for Florida all season with 24 goals. If the Panthers are going to get out of this slump, it starts with him.
- Uvis Balinskis: Funny enough, he was the only Panther to score last night. He actually signed a two-year contract extension yesterday morning, so at least his bank account is having a good week even if the goal differential isn't.
- Alex Ovechkin: The Great Eight is always the story in D.C. He’s still chasing records and remains lethal on the power play. Florida’s penalty kill, which is usually a strength (ranked 5th in the league), was carved up by the Hurricanes. They can't let Ovi set up in his "office" tonight.
What Happened to the Carolina Panthers?
Wait, did you mean the NFL team? This is where sports terminology gets confusing. If you are asking where did the Panthers play today in terms of football, the answer is: nowhere.
The Carolina Panthers' 2025-2026 season ended on January 10, 2026. They actually had a pretty decent year by their recent standards, finishing 8-9 and clinching the NFC South. However, their playoff run was short-lived. They lost a heartbreaker in the Wild Card round to the Los Angeles Rams, 34-31, right at Bank of America Stadium.
So, if you’re looking for Bryce Young and company, they’re currently in "offseason mode," looking at their 2026 opponents. They’ll be hosting teams like the Bengals and Ravens next year, but for now, the pads are off.
The International Panthers?
Just to cover all the bases—because "Panthers" is a popular name—the Nottingham Panthers are actually playing today too. They are over in the IIHF Continental Cup Final. They’re facing Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk. It’s a huge "East meets West" clash of hockey styles. If you’re a die-hard hockey nerd, that’s actually a fascinating game to track, but for most US fans, it’s all about the NHL matchup in Washington.
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Actionable Insights for Tonight's Game
If you’re betting on the game or just watching as a fan, here’s the reality of the situation:
- Watch the first 10 minutes: If Florida looks sluggish again, it’s a sign that this road trip has completely gassed them. If they come out hitting, they’ve moved past the Raleigh disaster.
- The "Bob" Factor: Keep an eye on the starting goalie. After being pulled last night (or left in to suffer, depending on how you view it), does Paul Maurice go back to Bobrovsky or give Daniil Tarasov the nod? Tarasov has been decent with a 2.81 GAA, and a fresh set of eyes might be what they need.
- Special Teams: The Capitals' power play is surprisingly low this year (ranked 30th), while Florida’s penalty kill is elite. This is the one area where Florida has a massive statistical advantage.
Basically, the answer to where did the Panthers play today is Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. They are fighting to prove that last night's 9-1 blowout was a fluke and not a sign of a mid-season collapse.
Keep an eye on the injury report before puck drop. Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are still on IR, which is a massive hole in the lineup. Without those two leaders, guys like Sam Bennett and Eetu Luostarinen have to play way above their pay grade to keep the Panthers competitive in the Atlantic Division race.
Check the live scores around 7:30 PM to see if they've found their rhythm. If they haven't, it might be a long flight back to South Florida tomorrow.