The Stanley Cup is never won in October.
But it sure can be lost.
The Florida Panthers are well aware of how detrimental a slow start can be to a season, or how much a hot start can set them up. With back-to-back games to start the season against a division opponent, the plate is set for the chance to get off to that coveted quick start.
Add in that those two games come against in-state rival Tampa Bay, and the Panthers know they don’t even have to leave the state. The recipe is there for the mixing.