Panthers vs Lightning Preseason Finale: A Whopping 312 Penalty Minutes and 16 Ejections
Intense Rivalry Peaks in Florida as Panthers Dominate Lightning in Preseason Showdown
In a fiercely contested preseason clash on Saturday night, the Florida Panthers triumphed over the Tampa Bay Lightning with a decisive score of 7-0, marking a dramatic chapter in their ongoing rivalry. Sixteen players were ejected, and an astonishing 312 penalty minutes were recorded, showcasing the intensity of this matchup.
Record Penalty Minutes Highlight the Intensity of the Game
This rematch came just days after the two teams faced off on Thursday, where the Lightning secured a 5-2 victory and racked up 186 penalty minutes. The earlier game ignited tensions, with Panthers forward A.J. Greer’s cross-check leading to a physical confrontation. By the end of the second period on Saturday, the combined penalty minutes surpassed 200, reflecting the fierce competition between these two Florida franchises.
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the passionate rivalry, stating, “It’s two extremely proud franchises and the boys played with their heart on their sleeves.” He also commented on the notable penalty struggles, highlighting, “Well, we really got to work on our penalty kill. Seventeen kills. I don’t think I’ve seen that in a long time.”
Power Play Struggles: Opportunities Missed
While the Panthers capitalized on their power play opportunities, netting four goals out of 17 chances, the Lightning struggled to find the net, finishing 0-for-6 on the power play. This outcome emphasizes the need for both teams to refine their strategies before the regular season begins.
| Team | Power-Play Opportunities | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Panthers | 17 | 4 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 6 | 0 |
Unusual Events and Ejections Mark the Game
The game was not just notable for its scoreline but also for its unconventional incidents. One of the strangest moments occurred when Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was issued a game misconduct early in the third period yet remained on the ice and assisted on a goal, which was later annulled due to icing a player who was deemed ineligible.
Additionally, the game saw Lightning forward Scott Sabourin ejected early on for a dangerous cross-check, leading to a series of further penalties. By the end of the match, the Lightning were left with just three players on their bench, a scenario Cooper described as unprecedented.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Panthers and Lightning?
The Florida Panthers are set to begin their season on Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, where they will raise their championship banner at Amerant Bank Arena. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning will kick off their season on Thursday, facing off against the Ottawa Senators, who also engaged in a heated preseason battle.
As the rivalry in Florida heats up, fans can expect thrilling matchups this season as both teams aim to assert their dominance in the NHL.
