Brad Marchand will have to hear Sam Bennett, who sidelined the Bruins captain with a sucker punch, get a monstrous ovation from a very festive crowd. Paul Maurice will wax philosophic. Florida will show highlights, many at the Bruins’ expense and they’ll celebrate. The scent of champagne has barely left the building.

Between the pipes, Sergei Bobrovsky, who was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season, will get the nod in net against the Bruins, while Chris Driedger, who is back with the Panthers after a couple of seasons with the Seattle Kraken, will serve as his backup.

Opening Night for the Florida Panthers has finally arrived. As the NHL’s defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Panthers will be featured in the primetime slot on the league’s first official day of the season (in North America). Florida will host the Boston Bruins at 7 p.m. at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.