A hockey team is aiming to replicate the success of a defending champion franchise they’ll meet in their season opener, drawing inspiration from the Panthers’ recent back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. The repeat champions, who became only the third team since 2017 to win consecutive titles, are seen as a model of sustained excellence. With both squads entering the season on high note, the matchup could set the tone for a competitive campaign. Analysts will be watching closely to see if the Hurricanes can mirror the Panthers’ recent dominance.

The Hurricanes are hoping to follow the same blueprint as the team they face on opening night. The Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champs in 2025, becoming the third team since 2017 to do so after ...