The Panthers failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
Olli Jokinen was named team captain on October 7, 2003.
[1] On November 9, 2003, head coach Mike Keenan was fired after leading the Panthers to a 5–8–2–0 start.
[4] Ties were eliminated after the 2004–05 NHL lockout when the shootout was adopted.
[5] Note: CR = Conference rank; GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; OTL = Overtime loss; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points Bolded teams qualified for the playoffs.