Red Wings and Panthers Face Off in Crucial Eastern Conference Matchup

Key players out for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Detroit Red Wings (36-21-7) will travel to Amerant Bank Arena in Florida to take on the Panthers (31-29-3) in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on March 10, 2026. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with a 7 p.m. ET start time.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race, as the Red Wings are currently fourth in the standings while the Panthers are 14th. Both teams will be missing key players due to injuries, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.

The details

The Red Wings will be without forward David Perron (groin) and captain Dylan Larkin (leg), while the Panthers will be missing center Aleksander Barkov Jr. (knee), forward Cole Schwindt (lower body), and defenseman Seth Jones (upper body). Goaltender John Gibson is also listed as day-to-day for the Panthers with an undisclosed injury.

  • The game will take place on March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.

The players

Jonah Gadjovich

Red Wings forward who is out with an upper body injury.

Aleksander Barkov Jr.

Panthers center who is out with a knee injury.

Cole Schwindt

Panthers forward who is out with a lower body injury.

Seth Jones

Panthers defenseman who is out with an upper body injury.

Brad Marchand

Red Wings forward who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge game for both teams as they try to improve their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.”

— Mike Emrick, NHL Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The outcome of this game could have major implications for the Red Wings and Panthers' playoff hopes, as they battle for position in the crowded Eastern Conference standings.

The takeaway

Injuries to key players on both sides will make this an intriguing matchup, as the Red Wings and Panthers fight to improve their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.