Panthers Fall, Hurricanes Rise

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey

On Saturday, September 10th in the very first playoff game of 2026, the Panthers fell to the Rams in a barn burner in Charlotte. The Rams jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but thanks to turnovers and turnovers-on-downs, the Panthers were able to keep it close, making it 17-14 at the half.

The Panthers were able to take a 4-point lead twice in the fourth quarter, only to have the Rams score a touchdown of their own each time, to take back the lead. The Panthers were unable to connect on their final drive, allowing the Rams to escape with the win, 34-31.

But while football Carolina licked their wounds, a few hours later in Raleigh the hockey Hurricanes came from behind to snatch victory away from the Seattle Kraken. The visitors led 2-1 after 2 periods, but the Canes scored 2 goals about 3 minutes apart in the 3rd period, to end up winning 3-2.

So while the Panthers season is now officially over, the Hurricanes currently sit atop the NHL Eastern Division standings with 28 wins and 59 points, keeping Carolina fans’ hopes alive to still win a championship this year.