Panthers have a troubling early-season trend that no one is talking about

The Florida Panthers have developed a concerning habit of surrendering the opening goal in eight of their first 11 games during the 2026-27 season. Carrying a 5-4-2 record into an upcoming matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, the team has entered a two-game losing streak and allowed the first goal in 72.7% of their contests.

Despite having to chase games, Florida has managed a 3-2-2 record when conceding first, representing an improvement over last season's early response to deficits. However, writer Ryan Gagne highlights that netminder Akira Schmid has struggled early in contests, conceding the opening tally in three of his appearances during a stretch without injured captain Aleksander Barkov.