That said, the Panthers were in the game from start to finish. After falling behind 1-0 early when Seattle’s Kaapo Kakko scored on the power play in the first period, Florida tied it up 11:37 into the second when Eetu Luostarinen scored on a feed from Anton Lundell.

Regardless of what has happened thus far this season, the Florida Panthers are still the defending Stanley Cup champions. It’s a well-worn cliché that everyone is gunning for you when you’re on top. The Kraken came to town ‘jacked’ and ready for the Panthers.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who sustained a lower-body injury during Team USA's run to the 4 Nations Face-Off finale, will not play Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, coach Paul Maurice said Friday.