The Panthers failed to qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
Just prior to the start of the regular season it was announced Olli Jokinen would remain team captain and Chris Gratton, Sean Hill, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Gary Roberts would rotate as alternate captains.
[1] The Panthers were shut out a league-high 8 times and had the fewest power-play opportunities of all 30 teams, with 411.
[2][3] [4] 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.
Win (2 points) Loss (0 points) Overtime/shootout loss (1 point) The Panthers were involved in the following transactions from February 17, 2005, the day after the 2004–05 NHL season was officially cancelled, through June 19, 2006, the day of the deciding game of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.