What is the NHL without its intense theatrics on ice, which always keep fans on the edge of their seats? The preseason game between the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning witnessed some hands being thrown. Yes, the preseason does not count, but the rivalry between the two teams of the Sunshine State has continued unabated.
As soon as the news gained momentum and spilled onto social media, fans chimed in with their comments.
Fans Do Not Endorse the Florida Panthers’ Actions on Ice
The preseason games are prepping NHL fans’ palates as the community gears up for the 2025-26 season. A game between the Panthers and the Lightning is always welcome, even if it is preseason and barely counts. The cross-state rivals met, and the Lightning defeated the Panthers 5-2 in a game with 186 penalty minutes combined.
Any game between the teams is invariably high-strung, but when Panthers winger A.J. Greer took a piece out of Tampa forward Brandon Hagel, a brawl ensued. Florida coach Paul Maurice made light of the situation by making the teams sound like buddies: “Just some old friends getting reacquainted,” Jameson Olive reported for the Florida Panthers.com. However, the reaction on social media has been quite diverse, and not everyone would agree with Maurice’s sentiment.
“For anyone who has not been watching the Florida Panthers/Tampa Bay Lightning game…this is the carnage. Absolute chaos tonight. Greer started it with the Hagel hit. Bolts started swinging the entire 2nd period,” posted Evan Closky on his X account to familiarize the community with the situation. Soon after, comments poured in.
One social media user expressed disdain for the Panthers and stated that preseason games do not warrant such behavior. “Leave it to florida players to take cheap shots in lemme check…. a pre-season game.”
Another X user boldly claimed that the Panthers and the Lightning have ruined the sport and urged the teams’ removal from the NHL. “The state of Florida has unquestionably ruined the sport of hockey and made a mockery of the NHL. Time to remove them from the league.”
Another NHL fan expressed similar sentiments, bluntly judging the Panthers: “Panthers have been the cheapest team in the league for the last 5 years. Absolute trash. League does nothing about it.”
However, not all hold similar opinions. Some acknowledge that the on-ice drama is an indelible element of hockey. “Preseason hockey lol. As a Ranger fan, ya love to see it.” The community is divided, but the excitement surrounding the next season has undoubtedly reached a fever pitch.