SUNRISE, Fla. - Almost time.

In the final game of the preseason, the Florida Panthers will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at Amerant Bank Arena at 7 p.m. ET.

With that, the Panthers move another step closer to opening night in Sunrise against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. ET.

“One more preseason game to go and then everybody’s excited to get the regular season going,” said forward Eetu Luostarinen following the team’s skate at Baptist Health IcePlex.

After games in Orlando and Tampa Bay, the Battle of Florida will make its way to Sunrise, for the third straight meeting between the teams.

Fielding what could be much of the opening night rosters for both squads in Thursday’s tilt, the game had all the intensity of a postseason meeting.

A 5-2 loss for the

See Full Page