San Jose Sharks took the lineal NHL belt on October 1, 2026, beating Florida Panthers 4–3 (OT) at home. It is reign 3,425 in the belt's history and the 41st for the franchise.
Florida Panthers had held it since September 29, 2026: 2 days and 0 defenses.
San Jose Sharks last held the belt in 2022–23, 1,304 days before this one; that reign lasted 1 day with 0 defenses.
The first defense: vs. Los Angeles Kings on October 3, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET (ESPN+ · NBC Sports BA · ABTV).
The game
Sharks Take Belt in OT Thriller Behind Smith's Two Goals The San Jose Sharks claimed the lineal championship belt with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers at SAP Center. Will Smith scored twice and added an assist for three points to lead the Sharks' attack, while Macklin Celebrini distributed three assists in the winning effort.