The Tampa Bay Lightning look like they’re gearing up for another round of fireworks with the Florida Panthers this weekend. On Thursday, Tampa recalled forwards Boris Katchouk and Scott Sabourin from AHL Syracuse — and the timing isn’t fooling anyone.
NEWS: The #GoBolts have recalled Boris Katchouk & Scott Sabourin from Syracuse
— Diandra Loux (@Diandra_loux) November 12, 2025
Two teams in the NHL that have no love for each other are about to clash in round two of a heated rivalry, where the first matchup was a war zone. Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek summed it up perfectly, tweeting, “Gee, I wonder who Tampa has on the sked this weekend…”
The Lightning and Panthers meet Saturday in what could be another bruising chapter of the “Battle of Florida.” Their last preseason matchup spiraled into chaos, featuring over 300 penalty minutes, 16 ejections, and a $100,000 team fine for Tampa Bay. Sabourin earned a four-game suspension for roughing after repeatedly punching Aaron Ekblad, while J.J. Moser drew two games for boarding.
Scott Sabourin Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa appears to be calling in a reinforcement who can handle the rough stuff. Katchouk only has two PIMs on the season, but he brings a hot hand from the AHL (four goals and nine points in 12 games), while Sabourin — back from suspension — adds muscle if things boil over again.
Expect emotion, noise, and probably a few more fists when these two teams square off Saturday night in Sunrise. The rivalry isn’t cooling down anytime soon.
When asked about the recalls, head coach John Cooper responded: “They had really good preseasons for us. You come into camp, you work hard, you don’t make the team, but you make an impact with the coaching staff and the organization and players. So you go back and look at guys that gave you everything in camp.”
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