Florida Panthers took the lineal NHL belt on September 29, 2026, beating Carolina Hurricanes 1–0 (OT) on the road. It is reign 3,424 in the belt's history and the 55th for the franchise.
Carolina Hurricanes had held it since June 9, 2026: 112 days and 2 defenses.
Florida Panthers last held the belt in 2025–26, 266 days before this one; that reign lasted 2 days with 0 defenses.
The reign lasted 2 days and 0 defenses, ending October 1, 2026 against San Jose Sharks.
The game
Panthers Snatch Belt from Hurricanes with Overtime Victory The Florida Panthers claimed the Belt Holders championship with a 1-0 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. In a defensive battle that saw both goalies stonewall their opponents through regulation, the game remained scoreless through all three periods before heading to overtime.